Conflict in the Middle East: Baerbock travels to the Middle East – warning of escalation

Shortly after the resumption of Israeli air strips on the Gaza Strip, Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock (Greens) broke out for a trip to the Middle East. The Green politician flew from Berlin to Lebanon in the morning, where she will have political talks in the afternoon. The visit to the capital Beirut was already planned before the Israeli attacks. The outgoing foreign minister warned of an expansion of the conflict before departure. “The risk of regional escalation is serious,” she said.

The Israeli attacks sag the hopes of many Israelis and Palestinians that the suffering on all sides can finally come to an end. They also jeopardize the positive diplomatic efforts of the Arab states. “Now all sides are the greatest reluctance, to comply with humanitarian international law, to a return to discussions for a permanent solution to the conflict,” warned Baerbock.

Air strikes after two months of ceasefire

In the night of Tuesday, the Israeli Air Force had bombed many destinations in the Gaza Strip for the first time since the beginning of a ceasefire two months ago. According to the health authority controlled by the Islamist Hamas, more than 400 people were killed and hundreds were injured. The information cannot be checked independently.

Arab countries had recently decided in Cairo a reconstruction plan for the Gaza Strip. He provides for the elimination of ruins and the gradual structure of living space in Gaza for the Palestinians living there over a period of around five years. Many questions about financing and future control Gaza are still unclear.