Germany on Monday urged Israel to "immediately lift" restrictions on humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, asserting that its delivery should not be used as a "legitimate bargaining chip in negotiations."
"We request that Israel continue to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza, as this also aligns with the requirements of the International Court of Justice," stated a spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry.
The spokesperson also called on Israel and Hamas to "return to the negotiating table and ensure the maintenance of the ceasefire agreement and the release of hostages."
On Sunday, Israel blocked the entry of humanitarian aid to Gaza following disagreements with Hamas over the terms of the ceasefire, a decision condemned by several Arab capitals and the United Nations, which urged Israel to reverse it.
"Unhindered access to humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip must be guaranteed at all times," emphasised Sebastian Fischer, the German Foreign Ministry spokesperson.
At the same time, "Hamas must end the suffering" of hostages held in Gaza and their families by "releasing them immediately," he added.
The current deadlock jeopardises the continuation of the truce that came into effect on 19 January after 15 months of devastating war in Gaza, triggered by a Hamas-led terror attack on southern Israel from neighbouring Palestine on 7 October 2023.
