German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock visits Israel to work towards a ceasefire in Gaza.
The minister laid blame for the suffering of civilians in Gaza on Hamas, saying before her departure: “If Hamas terrorists had even an ounce of compassion for the Palestinian women, men and children suffering from the fighting in Gaza, they would immediately lay down their weapons. Instead, the terrorists continue to entrench themselves behind the civilian population.”
Baerbock will meet Foreign Minister Israel Katz, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Israeli President Isaac Herzog.
The visit will be Baerbock’s fifth visit to Tel Aviv since October 7. Germany has tried for decades to make amends for its Nazi past and role in the Holocaust during WWII, long backing Israel’s “security”.