The President of the UN General Assembly, Annalena Baerbock, has issued a stark warning to Israel, urging immediate and significant improvements to the humanitarian situation unfolding in the Gaza Strip. Addressing the Funke-Mediengruppe newspapers, Baerbock underscored the fragility of the current ceasefire, highlighting the “deeply concerning” loss of at least 67 Palestinian children since its implementation.
Beyond the immediate cessation of hostilities, Baerbock emphasized the critical needs of hundreds of thousands of Gazans, primarily children, who remain deprived of essential food, medical care and adequate shelter. She stressed the urgent need for “complete, safe and unimpeded access” for all humanitarian aid across Gaza, including sustained and robust support for the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), citing the agency’s vital role in health services and education.
Baerbock’s critique extended to the German government under Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU), who recently abstained from a mandate renewal for UNRWA. She questioned the rationale behind this decision, particularly given Germany’s continued financial contributions. “The mandate extends beyond Gaza, encompassing the West Bank, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon, where a large population of Palestinian refugees reside” she pointed out, highlighting the broader regional implications of wavering support. Underscoring the importance of multilateralism, Baerbock warned that without UN support, regional stabilization and Gaza’s eventual reconstruction would be significantly hampered.
The controversy surrounding UNRWA, which arose following the events of October 7, 2023, when agency staff were allegedly implicated in Hamas atrocities, prompted Baerbock to acknowledge past concerns. She stated that, as Foreign Minister, she previously demanded thorough investigations and reforms. “Subsequent inquiries, including the Colonna report by former French Foreign Minister Michele Colonna, have informed crucial reform steps that are now underway” she affirmed.
Baerbock also strongly defended UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres against intense criticism emanating from Israel. She reiterated Guterres’ consistent and unequivocal condemnation of Hamas’ actions and his commitment to combating antisemitism and all forms of inhumanity. “Who, if not the UN Secretary-General, stands resolutely against antisemitism and every form of dehumanization?” she asked pointedly.
While acknowledging the importance of Israel’s right to exist and security, Baerbock emphasized the imperative of upholding international humanitarian law and protecting civilian populations in all conflicts – a principle that applies to all states, including Israel. She asserted the Palestinian right to their own state, reaffirming that a sustainable peace can only be achieved through a two-state solution, a perspective she shares with the UN Secretary-General and which remains a cornerstone of international diplomatic efforts.