German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has accused Hamas of using Gaza residents as human shields during the ongoing conflict with Israel. Baerbock made these remarks during a news conference in Israel alongside her Israeli counterpart, Eli Cohen. She expressed deep concern about the situation in Gaza and the tactics employed by Hamas.
“Hamas is now barricading itself behind more innocent people and is using them as a shield in Gaza,” Baerbock stated, highlighting the grave concern that innocent civilians are being placed at risk.
Baerbock went further to assert that “Hamas has taken the entire population of Gaza hostage,” stressing that the group’s fighters are using the civilian population as cover. She described how Hamas has deliberately situated its tunnels, weapons depots, and command centers in residential buildings, supermarkets, and universities, possibly even in hospitals. These tactics have raised the risk for Palestinian civilians, making them more vulnerable to the consequences of the conflict.
The recent escalation of violence began when Hamas militants breached the militarized border barrier around Gaza, launching deadly attacks against Israel. In response, Israel has carried out numerous airstrikes on Gaza, resulting in significant casualties and destruction. The situation is dire, and fears have grown for the safety and well-being of Gaza’s residents.
Israel’s army has called for approximately 1.1 million people, nearly half of Gaza’s total population, to evacuate the territory’s northern areas ahead of a potential ground invasion. This mass displacement highlights the urgency of the situation and the immediate threat to civilians.
Baerbock emphasized that democracies such as Germany and Israel take the protection of civilian populations very seriously. During her visit to Israel, she discussed this issue with her counterpart, Eli Cohen. The focus is on ensuring that civilians have access to safe spaces where they can seek protection and receive essential support.
Furthermore, Germany is in talks with international organizations and neighboring countries like Egypt, which shares a border with Gaza, to address the humanitarian crisis and protect civilian populations. Baerbock and her counterparts are actively exploring avenues to provide assistance and support to those affected by the ongoing conflict.
In her statement, Baerbock also called for the immediate release of hostages taken by Hamas during their recent assault, including German nationals. The release of these individuals is a matter of great urgency and is supported by those who advocate for humanity and peace in the region.
The situation in Gaza remains tense, and international efforts are ongoing to mitigate the humanitarian crisis and protect civilians from further harm. Baerbock’s visit to Israel and her discussions with Israeli officials underscore the importance of addressing the humanitarian aspects of the conflict alongside broader geopolitical concerns.
