Germany says Israel must give ‘maximum consideration’ for protection of civilians

By Anadolu staff

BERLIN (AA) – Germany urged Israel on Thursday to give “maximum consideration” for the protection of civilians in Gaza amid growing public outcry about fatalities.

All sides are now obliged to rapidly implement its stipulations, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said after the UN Security Council finally agreed on a resolution.

“Hamas must now finally release the hostages, among them are women, children, and old people,” she said, adding that it must be done immediately and without putting forward any conditions.

“And Israel is obliged to show maximum consideration, and even greater consideration, for the civilian population in Gaza, while defending itself against Hamas,” she said.

“The way Israel wages this fight in Gaza will also determine the prospects for lasting peace in the region, so that Israelis and Palestinians can one day live safely, in peace and freedom, in two states,” she added.

Israel has launched relentless air and ground attacks on the Gaza Strip since a cross-border attack by the Palestinian group Hamas on Oct. 7.

At least 11,500 Palestinians have since been killed, including more than 7,800 women and children, and over 29,200 injured, according to the latest figures from Palestinian authorities.

A group of UN experts recently warned that Palestinians are “at a grave risk of genocide” as the Israeli government imposed a total blockade, cutting off the water, food and electricity supplies to Gaza.