German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock called on the Arab Gulf states to support a two-state solution in the Middle East amid the war between Israel and Hamas ahead of her trip to the region.
“Only a return to the promise of living side by side – in two states – can provide the Israelis and Palestinians a life of peace, security, and dignity,” she said before departing for the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Israel.
“In this almost unresolvable conflict, it is crucial not to lose sight of the bigger picture,” she added.
“Israel’s historic opportunity for peace with its Arab neighbours must not be destroyed. Because that is precisely the goal of the terrorists,” Baerbock warned.
Securing the release of hostages, humanitarian access to Gaza, and stopping the war expanding throughout the region can only succeed “if we pull together with the Arab Gulf states,” she said.
Israel can rely on Germany for unwavering support against Hamas’ terror, Baerbock said. “As democracies, we stand shoulder to shoulder with them. Of course, Israel must do everything in its power to protect civilians, she added.
“The prospect of humanitarian ceasefires is central to this,” Baerbock said. “The people in Gaza urgently need supplies of the basic essentials – water, food, medicine – so that their suffering can be somewhat alleviated.”
In Abu Dhabi, Baerbock is due to meet Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, before travelling on to Riyadh. There she is to meet Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdel-Rahman and Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud.
In Israel, her agenda includes talks with Foreign Minister Eli Cohen and Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid.
It will be Baerbock’s third visit to Israel since the war began, unleashed by brutal attacks by Islamist Hamas on October 7 that killed 1,400 people.
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Israel has responded with weeks of airstrikes and an ongoing ground campaign in Gaza.
Its relentless bombardment has killed more than 10,800 people, mostly civilians, and injured over 27,000 people, according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry.
The UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar are seen as potential mediators in the conflict who could help secure the release of hostages held by Hamas.
On Saturday, the Arab League is due to meet in Riyadh for an emergency summit. Saudi Arabia currently chairs the League.
Source: dpa
