Germany: Israel Should Adapt Its Military Strategy to Protect Civilians

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock called on Israel today, Friday, to "adapt its military strategy to provide better protection for civilians in Gaza," repeating similar demands from Washington. She stated during a joint press conference with her Lebanese counterpart Abdullah Bou Habib in Berlin that "the humanitarian suffering in Gaza must come to an end." Baerbock urged "all Arab countries to call on Hamas to lay down its arms and negotiate for the release of hostages held in Gaza." In response, Bou Habib thanked "the German authorities for their support for Lebanon and their contribution to UNIFIL," adding, "We call for a comprehensive framework to implement Resolution 1701, including the withdrawal of Israel from all occupied areas and the cessation of land, sea, and air violations." He pointed out that "there can be no comprehensive peace without the Palestinians," viewing the "Arab Peace Initiative adopted at the Beirut Summit in 2002, based on the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, as the key to peace and stability in our region." He further stated, "We had an open and transparent dialogue regarding displacement, warning that this challenge is beginning to threaten Europe, as it is the final destination for asylum seekers searching for economic opportunities."