Germany is opposed to the suspension of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian peoplewho “he depends on her for his vital needs“, said Foreign Minister Analena Burbock shortly before the extraordinary council of foreign ministers of the European Union. At the same time, he called on the Palestinian Authority to distance itself from Hamas.

“It would be completely wrong to suspend humanitarian aid for the civilian population, as millions of people in the Palestinian Territories, including many children, depend on us for supplies of food, water and medicine“, it is stated in a related announcement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. However, the German government suspended development aid to the Palestinian Territories yesterday, in order to review the details of its disposition.

“Europe stands united with Israel. Hamas terrorism is a dramatic turning point and has brought unprecedented levels of violence and fear to the people of Israel. We are deeply shocked. Our thoughts are with the families of the many hundreds of dead. Our emergency meeting today is an expression of our solidarity with Israel,” Mrs. Burbock emphasizes in her statement and, addressing the Palestinian leadership, underlines: “Distance from this terrorism. Nothing can justify her. As the Palestinian Authority, you have a duty – and to your own people. Violence must not be allowed to spread to the West Bank».

“The suffering and death of Palestinian civilians is part of the terrorists’ strategy. What is particularly insidious is that Hamas hides in this situation behind the civilian population. Even in this very special situation, the protection of the civilian population is a top priority. The terrorism scenario must not succeed. Hamas wants to start a fire with its terrorism. It is now important to prevent other actors in the area from adding fuel to the fire“, concludes the German Foreign Minister.