Frankfurt (Germany), 19 Aug. (LaPresse) – German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has “strongly” condemned the calls made by Israeli Minister for National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir for the mass killing of Palestinians, describing them as “contemptuous of human dignity and contrary to international law”. This was stated by German government spokesperson Sebastian Hille at a press conference in Berlin, emphasising that “they are unacceptable”. “The latest European Council adopted a policy decision to prepare targeted measures against radical politicians who call for violations of human dignity and international law,” added Hille. The issue, he explained, “will be addressed by foreign ministers in a few days’ time, during the informal meeting”, whilst the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, “will present proposals on the matter”. Hille then reiterated Berlin’s position on the Israeli government’s actions in the West Bank. “There must be no further steps towards the annexation of the West Bank – neither formal steps nor political, construction or other measures which, in their effects, are moving ever more clearly in the direction of annexation,” he said. “These are contrary to a two-state solution,” added the spokesperson, emphasising that “Israel, as the occupying power, must treat the Palestinians with dignity, protect their property and ensure public administration and humanitarian assistance”. Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Hille explained, has repeatedly shared this position with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, “in private talks and in public statements”. “This critical dialogue will continue,” the spokesperson stated.
Gaza: Merz condemns Ben-Gvir’s comments on the killing of Palestinians
Frankfurt (Germany), 19 Aug. (LaPresse) – German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has “strongly” condemned the calls made by Israeli Minister for National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir for the mass killing of Palestinians, describing them as “contemptuous of human dignity and contrary to international law”. This was stated by German government spokesperson Sebastian Hille at a press conference in Berlin, emphasising that “they are unacceptable”. “The latest European Council adopted a policy decision to prepare targeted measures against radical politicians who call for violations of human dignity and international law,” added Hille. The issue, he explained, “will be addressed by foreign ministers in a few days’ time, during the informal meeting”, whilst the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, “will present proposals on the matter”. Hille then reiterated Berlin’s position on the Israeli government’s actions in the West Bank. “There must be no further steps towards the annexation of the West Bank – neither formal steps nor political, construction or other measures which, in their effects, are moving ever more clearly in the direction of annexation,” he said. “These are contrary to a two-state solution,” added the spokesperson, emphasising that “Israel, as the occupying power, must treat the Palestinians with dignity, protect their property and ensure public administration and humanitarian assistance”. Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Hille explained, has repeatedly shared this position with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, “in private talks and in public statements”. “This critical dialogue will continue,” the spokesperson stated.