Germany says Israel-Palestine conflict 'testing world community'

By Burak Bir

LONDON (AA) - Germany said Tuesday that the international community is being tested by the Israel-Palestine conflict and the agony will only stop if it stops for everyone.

Speaking during a UN Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said that everyone must seek to understand each other's pain.

Referring to the Holocaust, Baerbock said she speaks "as a foreign minister of a country that bears historic responsibility for the worst imaginable crime."

"’Never again,’ to me as a German, means that we will not rest knowing that the grandchildren of Holocaust survivors are now being held hostage by terrorists in Gaza,” she said.

Reiterating her country's support for Israel, she said Israel’s security is "non-negotiable."

"Like any other state in the world, Israel has the right to defend itself against terrorism within the framework of international law."

She noted, however, that addressing the plight of the Palestinians does not contradict this stance, adding "it is a key part of it."

"All civilian lives matter, just the same. Humanity is universal, and so should be our empathy," said Baerbock, adding the fight is "against Hamas and not against civilians."

"That is why it's crucial for us that this fight must be carried out in line with humanitarian law with the greatest possible consideration for civilians in Gaza," she said.

She said that is why there is a need for "humanitarian windows" so that those who are suffering in Gaza can get help.

Baerbock said that "peace will only work if it works for everyone," referring to the need for a future where both Israelis and Palestinians live "side by side in peace and security in two independent states."

The conflict in Gaza, which has been under Israeli bombardment and a blockade since Oct. 7, began when the Palestinian group Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, a multi-pronged surprise attack that included a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel by land, sea and air.

Hamas said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque and growing violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians.

The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip.

Nearly 7,200 people have been killed in the conflict, including at least 5,791 Palestinians and 1,400 Israelis.

Gaza’s 2.3 million people have been running out of food, water, medicines and fuel, and aid convoys allowed into Gaza have carried only a fraction of what is needed.