It is her third visit to the region since October 7, when the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas launched an attack on the Jewish state, sparking the war.
Among the minister’s stops will be the United Arab Emirates (UAE), one of the countries that normalized relations with Israel in 2020.
She will also visit Saudi Arabia, which has been holding talks on a possible normalization of relations with Israel since the current war broke out.
In addition, A. Baerbock will visit Israel.
“In this almost intractable mess, it’s very important not to lose sight of the big picture,” she said. “The historic opportunity for Israel to seek peace with its Arab neighbors must not be lost, because that is exactly what the terrorists are seeking.”
“Even to ensure the release of hostages, the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza [Ruožą] or prevent the spread of violence in the region, we can only succeed if we unite with the Persian Gulf [regiono] Arab countries,” the minister emphasized.
She also said that “only a return to the promise of living side by side – in two states – can ensure a peaceful, safe and dignified life for Israelis and Palestinians.”
A source at the German Foreign Ministry said Baerbock’s trip would include discussions of efforts to free German citizens, some of whom are among the hostages taken by Hamas, as well as the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.
Berlin condemned the attack by Palestinian militants and said Israel had the right to defend itself. Israeli officials say the Islamists killed more than 1,400 people, mostly civilians, and took about 240 hostages.
Germany is also one of the countries calling for a halt to the fighting on humanitarian grounds to ease the suffering of the people of the Gaza Strip. Israel’s bombardment and ground offensive have killed more than 10,800 people, including many children, according to the Hamas-run enclave’s health ministry.
US President Joe Biden said Israel had agreed to a pause in the offensive but ruled out any broader ceasefire.
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2024-09-24 10:00:10
