German, Jordanian foreign ministers call on Israel to boost Gaza aid

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and his Jordanian counterpart Ayman al-Safadi on Tuesday called on the Israeli government to allow more humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip.

At a meeting between the two diplomats in Berlin, Wadephul highlighted a shortage of tents and medical equipment in the Gaza Strip, six weeks after the ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas took effect.

Al-Safadi said that while the humanitarian situation in the territory has improved, it remains very difficult. More than 90% of the population requires humanitarian aid to survive, he said, appealing on Israel to uphold the ceasefire.

Wadephul said that a UN Security Council resolution passed last week to secure the Gaza peace plan must be implemented quickly.

Decisions must be made on how the UN-mandated institutions can ensure stability in Gaza, including the planned disarmament of Hamas, he said.

Speed is of the essence, Wadephul said, due to the danger of the Gaza Strip being divided into one part controlled by the Israeli army and another where Hamas is increasingly regaining strength.

“We must not allow Hamas to continue consolidating its power here undisturbed,” he demanded.

Wadephul’s remarks come one day after confirmation that Chancellor Friedrich Merz is set to visit Israel for the first time before the end of the year.