Germany urges Israel to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza amid rising civilian deaths
Displaced Palestinian children push into a queue to get a portion of cooked food from a charity kitchen in Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip, ahead of the iftar fast-breaking meal during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan on March 9, 2025. (AFP Photo)
German government has once again urged Israel to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, citing a sharp rise in civilian deaths.
Deputy government spokeswoman Christiane Hoffmann expressed Berlin’s deep concern.
The number of civilian casualties is simply too high. This cannot be allowed to continue.
Deputy government spokeswoman Christiane Hoffmann
She emphasized the urgent need for both increased aid deliveries and a restored ceasefire.
Humanitarian aid blockade
Despite an earlier ceasefire agreement that required Israel to allow:
- 600 aid trucks and 50 fuel trucks into Gaza daily,
- The Israeli government has blocked the entry of 15,000 aid trucks and 1,250 fuel trucks since early March.
Gazan authorities warn that the ongoing blockade is pushing the region into an “unprecedented humanitarian disaster.” These supplies are critical, as many residents have been left impoverished due to the ongoing conflict.
Escalation of violence
- On March 18, Israel launched a surprise aerial assault on Gaza.
- Over 920 people were killed, and more than 2,000 others were injured.
- The attack shattered an existing ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement.
The renewed hostilities have only worsened conditions for civilians already struggling with limited resources and medical aid.
International legal actions against Israel
Since October 2023, the Israeli offensive has resulted in:
- More than 50,350 Palestinian deaths – mostly women and children.
- Over 114,400 injuries.
In response to alleged war crimes, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants last November for: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
Additionally, Israel is facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
What comes next?
Germany continues to pressure Israel to, restore the ceasefire, allow humanitarian aid into Gaza.
However, Israel has yet to signal any policy changes, leaving the humanitarian situation in Gaza dire. The coming weeks will likely see further diplomatic efforts to ease restrictions, but the outlook remains uncertain.
