Germany presses Israel to end humanitarian restrictions, calls for hostage release

The German Foreign Ministry has issued a call for Israel to lift its restrictions on the entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, urging the Israeli government to resume the flow of essential goods to the region.

The statement comes amid growing international concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Caliber.Az reports citing Russian media.

At a briefing in Berlin, a representative from the German Foreign Ministry expressed deep concern regarding Israel’s decision to halt the entry of all humanitarian goods into Gaza. The representative emphasized that Israel must adhere to its international obligations under the ruling of the UN International Court of Justice, which mandates that Israel ensure the unimpeded provision of essential services and humanitarian aid to Gaza.

"The German government strongly urges Israel to lift the restrictions immediately and guarantee the unrestricted access of humanitarian aid to Gaza at all times," the Foreign Ministry representative said.

The statement also included a call for the Palestinian Hamas movement to release all remaining hostages, highlighting the ongoing suffering of the detainees and their families. The German Foreign Ministry demanded an immediate end to the hostage situation, which has remained unresolved.

Furthermore, Germany urged both Israel and Hamas to return to the negotiating table, with the aim of ensuring the continuation of the ceasefire and advancing the peace process. "This includes a potential extension of the first phase of the ceasefire and a transition to a long-term solution, which is essential for the release of new hostages, the improvement of conditions in Gaza, and the eventual reconstruction of the region," the official added.

On March 2, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the suspension of humanitarian aid deliveries to the Gaza Strip and the closure of all checkpoints. According to Israeli officials, this decision was prompted by Hamas' refusal to accept the proposed extension of the ceasefire plan put forward by US special envoy Steve Witkoff. Netanyahu further warned that if Hamas continued to refuse negotiations, additional consequences would follow.

This move comes after a ceasefire agreement was reached in mid-January between Israel and Hamas, mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States. The ceasefire, which began on January 19, entered its first phase and concluded on March 1. Over the 42-day period, the first phase of the agreement resulted in the return of 33 hostages from Gaza to Israel.

By Vafa Guliyeva