Berlin urges Israel to 'immediately' improve humanitarian conditions in Gaza

Israel must "immediately" improve humanitarian conditions in Gaza, the German government's representative for human rights and humanitarian aid said Monday, ahead of a trip to Israel and the Palestinian territories.

Until recently Israel has enjoyed broad support across the political spectrum in Germany, but Chancellor Friedrich Merz's tone towards Israel has sharpened as the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza has deteriorated.

Last month, the United Nations officially declared a famine in Gaza, after a UN-backed report warned that 500,000 people were facing "catastrophic" conditions in the war-ravaged territory.

"The Israeli government must improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza immediately, comprehensively, sustainably, and in accordance with humanitarian principles and international law," said envoy Lars Castellucci, a lawmaker of the Social Democrats, which govern with Merz's conservatives.

He condemned the "immeasurable" suffering of civilians, especially children, who are trapped in the conflict and "bear neither guilt nor responsibility".

German humanitarian aid to Gaza "has been increased several times," but it is "pointless" as long as it does not reach those in need, he said.

While he reaffirmed Germany's "special responsibility" for Israel's security and called for the "immediate release" of hostages held by Hamas, he also stressed the urgency of a ceasefire and advocated a "two state solution".

The war in Gaza erupted following Hamas's October 2023 attack on Israel, which resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli figures.

Of the 251 hostages seized during the attack, 47 are still being held in Gaza, around 20 of whom are believed to be alive.

Israel's retaliatory offensive has killed at least 63,459 Palestinians, most of them civilians, according to figures from the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza that the United Nations considers reliable.