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Solidarity and political talks: Foreign Minister Baerbock travels to Israel once again
Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock having talks with Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, © Photothek Media Lab
With its major attack on Israel last Saturday, Iran has brought the Middle East to the brink. Following Israel’s successful defensive measures, the aim now is to prevent a conflagration from taking hold in the region.
With over 300 drones, missiles and cruise missiles fired at Israel, Iran launched an unprecedented direct attack on Israel at the weekend. The majority were intercepted by Israel, the United States and partners in the region. The support for Israel, including from countries in the region, shows the extent to which the Iranian regime has isolated itself by playing with fire.
Since the weekend, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has been engaged in constant diplomatic efforts to prevent the conflict from escalating. Germany is liaising closely with the Israeli Government and with our partners in the EU, G7 and NATO as well as in the region. Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi is travelling to Berlin on a crisis visit only today, for example.
Preventing a conflagration
Foreign Minister Baerbock is travelling to Israel again today – for the seventh time since 7 October 2023 and on her eighth visit to the region since then. She will discuss the current situation with Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, among other officials, and underscore Germany’s solidarity with Israel following Iran’s attack. Iran is seeking to destabilise an entire region with its drones and missiles – the talks in Israel will therefore focus in particular on preventing the spiral of violence from escalating unabated.
People in Gaza and hostages remain in focus
At the same time, the ongoing catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza cannot be allowed to fade into the background. Foreign Minister Baerbock will therefore once again urge her dialogue partners to put in place a massive increase in aid supplies. Moreover, Hamas is still holding Israeli women, men and children hostage in its tunnels – and has been doing so for over six months. These people must be released at long last. This will also be on the agenda at the talks.
There can only be peace if it is enjoyed by everyone. That is why Germany has been doing its utmost for months to advocate for a humanitarian pause leading to a lasting humanitarian ceasefire and paving the way for a two-state solution.