German Foreign Minister Calls for Ceasefire and Civilian Protection Amid Rafah Developments
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock warned that an Israeli military operation in Rafah, a city in the southern Gaza Strip, risks triggering a humanitarian catastrophe. The remarks, cited by TASS, emphasize the potential harm to civilians in the Palestinian territory as events unfold.
Baerbock stressed that while Israel has every right to defend itself against Hamas, it must also take pains to alleviate civilian suffering where possible. She asserted that the people of Gaza should not be allowed to disappear amid the conflict and called for protective measures that minimize harm to noncombatants.
The foreign minister urged the warring sides to pursue a ceasefire and to seek a pathway for prisoner releases. Baerbock indicated that she plans to travel to Israel to discuss these matters further, aiming to advance discussions on a framework for reducing civilian casualties and achieving relief for those affected by the fighting.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructed the Israeli military and the Defense Ministry to develop a plan for evacuating civilians from Rafah, signaling a focused response to the humanitarian concerns surrounding the southern Gaza Strip. The government has signaled that civilian safety must be a priority in any operational approach.
Reports have also suggested that the Israel Defense Forces are preparing for related operations near the Egyptian border as well as within the Gaza Strip, reflecting a broader strategic posture intended to manage security threats while considering civilian impact.
Observers note that international diplomacy remains pivotal as calls for ceasefire and prisoner exchanges accumulate. The situation in Rafah continues to draw attention from regional leaders and global powers who advocate for a balance between security imperatives and humanitarian obligations.