Germany on pledged 40 million euros to ramp up civilians in Gaza

Islam News – Germany called for a ceasefire in fighting between Israel and Palestinian Islamist group Hamas and offered more aid to help Palestinians on Tuesday before emergency European Union talks that are expected to highlight divisions over the conflict.

The call for a truce follows U.S. President Joe Biden’s support for a ceasefire during a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday.

Germany made the comments before a video call of the EU’s 27 foreign ministers chaired by chief Josep Borrell to discuss how to end the conflict, although diplomats warned that differing opinions over the Middle East would marginalise the bloc’s role.

“An end to the violence is the first priority,” German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said in a video statement streamed on social media, as the fiercest hostilities between Israel and the Palestinians in years continued.

“Today, I will lobby for a better humanitarian supply in Gaza,” Maas said, pledging 40 million euros ($48.86 million) to ramp up humanitarian aid for civilians in Gaza.

The EU is Israel’s biggest trade partner and a big aid donor to the Palestinians but has been reluctant to use such leverage or discuss possible economic sanctions on Israel’s government.

Source: SWI