German government spokesperson calls Israeli airstrike on Gaza refugee camp a “mistake”

Steffen Hebestreit, German spokesperson, emphasizes the need for careful consideration before drawing conclusions, noting that the Israeli prosecutor had expressed concerns and the matter is under investigation

The German government has labeled the recent Israeli airstrike on a refugee camp in Rafah, Gaza, as a “mistake,” according to government spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit.

During a press conference in Berlin, Hebestreit addressed questions regarding whether Israel’s bombing of the camp violated international law. He emphasized the need for careful consideration before drawing conclusions, noting that the Israeli prosecutor had expressed concerns about the attack and that the matter was under investigation.

“At any rate, a mistake was made; we can say that already,” Hebestreit stated. He added that German Deputy Chancellor Robert Habeck, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, and Chancellor Olaf Scholz have repeatedly stressed that Israel must comply with international law in its defense against Hamas.

Hebestreit affirmed that if evidence of a crime is found, the German government would unequivocally condemn it. “Whether it constitutes a war crime under international law is a matter for legal experts who are fully informed about the incident,” he said.

In response to a question from an Anadolu Agency correspondent about the binding nature of International Court of Justice (ICJ) rulings, Hebestreit recalled Chancellor Scholz’s warning during a meeting in Jerusalem with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against launching a major offensive on Rafah.

“This warning remains valid,” the government spokesperson asserted. “We have reiterated this demand many times and will continue to do so.”

Hebestreit also defended Israel’s right to self-defense within the framework of international law.

Source: AA