German foreign minister slams Israel’s offensive in West Bank ahead of her Middle East trip

By Anadolu staff

BERLIN (AA) - German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock sharply criticized Israel over its large-scale military attacks in the occupied West Bank, ahead of her two-day trip to the Middle East.

“Terrorism cannot be fought by tearing up roads, destroying waterpipes and blocking access to hospitals. No one stands to gain anything if a new young generation is radicalized now because they are forced to witness the destruction on their doorsteps,” Baerbock said.

She renewed her call for an immediate humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza, pointing out that this is the only way to ensure the release of hostages, de-escalate the tensions, and revive diplomatic efforts for a political solution to the conflict.

“The Palestinians have a right to live in security and dignity. Negotiations on a two-state solution are the only option for lasting peace. This is the only way to tackle terrorism in the long term,” Baerbock said.

“Those members of the Israeli government who call into question the two-state solution with their words and deeds are jeopardising Israel’s long-term security,” she added.

As part of her two-day trip to the Middle East, Baerbock is scheduled to hold high-level talks on Thursday morning in Saudi Arabia, before heading to Jordan.

In Amman, she will meet her Jordanian counterpart Ayman Safadi to discuss efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region, and coordinate humanitarian aid to people in Gaza.

On Friday, Baerbock is scheduled to meet with her Israeli counterpart Israel Katz and Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and she’s also planning to travel to the West Bank to meet Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa, according to German diplomatic sources.