Development Minister Reem Alabali Radovan of the SPD stresses that Europeans have a duty to push for de‑escalation in the Middle East. “This war is not taking place on European soil, but its consequences affect us politically, economically and humanely” she told the “Rheinische Post” regarding the Iran war. “Peace and stability in the Middle East are therefore not merely a matter for regional politics; they are a shared responsibility of Europe and the international community to work for de‑escalation, protect civilians and create prospects for lasting peace”.
Alabali Radovan warned that the goodwill built over many years of development cooperation with partners-trust, infrastructure and future prospects-is now at risk. “Warfare can erase what has taken years to grow in a short time. The immediate toll falls on the people on the ground, while the long‑term damage concerns the entire international community” she said.
In particular, the situation in Lebanon is described as especially dramatic. “The armed conflict between Hezbollah and Israel has already displaced more than 660,000 people. Many were forced to flee in haste and could bring little with them. Together with our partners, we react quickly and pragmatically to this situation, adjusting our projects to help affected people-especially women and children-as effectively as possible” she explained. She added that the war’s devastation in Gaza also leaves people suffering, underscoring the need to keep the plight of civilians from becoming a peripheral issue: “The protection of people must remain at the centre of our responsibility”.
Referring to radical Israeli settlers in the West Bank, the minister said that Palestinians are repeatedly exposed to violence from these settlers. Attacks on non‑combatants are unacceptable. “The protection of people and compliance with international humanitarian law must apply to all”.