- Foreign Minister Baerbock reaffirms Berlin’s support for Israel, but also says Israeli military should avoid civilian casualties in Gaza

- ‘There is a responsibility, especially in this phase, to alleviate civilian suffering, because too many Palestinians have already died,’ Baerbock says


BERLIN 

Germany on Monday reminded Israel of its obligation to protect civilians in Gaza, as its military expanded a ground offensive against Hamas.


German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock reiterated that Israel has a right to self-defense against Hamas, but also called on Israeli authorities to respect international humanitarian law.


“The central question is how this right to self-defense is carried out. There is a responsibility, especially in this phase, to alleviate civilian suffering, because too many Palestinians have already died,” she said.


Baerbock made the remarks at an international conference on the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which was organized by her party, the Greens.


The foreign minister renewed her call on all countries and actors in the region to take de-escalatory steps, and support efforts to revive diplomatic efforts for a two-state solution to the conflict.


“I also repeatedly made it clear in Israel that Hamas’ cruel terror against Israel can only end, if we do everything we can together, to give Palestinians a perspective for the future,” Baerbock said.


“Your own suffering does not become easier by ignoring the suffering of others, but your own suffering can only end if you want to end the suffering of others,” she said.


Israel recently expanded its ground offensive to every part of Gaza, despite calls and appeals for a cease-fire, or at least for humanitarian pauses.


The death toll from Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip has surged to 15,899 since the start of the conflict on Oct. 7, Palestinian health authorities said Monday.


The official Israeli death toll stands at 1,200.