Supports the German defense of security forces in the Gaza Strip

Berlin. Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock (Greens) has initiated a political debate with considerations about involving the Bundeswehr in a protection force for the Gaza Strip – and received support from the Union and the Left Party.

“Just as we have made it clear to Ukraine that we stand up for their freedom and peace, I believe that this also applies to the Middle East,” Baerbock said on Saturday at a small Green party conference in Potsdam. “If what is needed now is not just reconstruction, but an international protection force that will guarantee that we can finally achieve peace in the Middle East, then that is also our common mission,” she said.

Baerbock: Peace is “our common mission”

The vice-chairman of the CDU/CSU faction, Johann Wadephul, fundamentally welcomed the idea put forward by Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock (Greens) this weekend: “If the Foreign Minister’s ideas become more concrete and the federal government as a whole has reached an agreement, If we have a common opinion, we are of course willing to talk,” Wadephul told the Editorial Network Germany (RND).

“This war must finally end. Germany must support US President Biden’s initiative as best as possible,” the CDU politician said. “If we take our security obligations to the State of Israel seriously, we must also be prepared to make practical contributions.”

Ramelow: Another form of peace initiative is needed

The Prime Minister of Thuringia, Bodo Ramelow (left), also expressed his sympathy for Baerbock’s initiative: “We must have the courage to think about what we could and should do to ensure that there are demilitarized zones and demilitarized zones come to those places where there is open, hot war. is currently taking place “To make our contribution to the use of blue helmets that are accepted by both parties,” Ramelow told RND. “We need a different kind of peace initiative in the world.”

Baerbock had said in Potsdam that a humanitarian ceasefire in the Gaza war was now a possibility. This must include a cessation of Hamas attacks, a release of Israeli hostages and an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

Baerbock was asked about this during an appearance at the Katholikentag in Erfurt, but did not want to give details in view of international discussions. She mentioned the possibility of a protective force due to the current circumstances, “because from my point of view this is the moment when we make clear what we have already discussed with others: we accept a responsibility, without the details now we still have them “Totally not discussed.”

In mid-May, Baerbock remained cautious about the Arab League’s demand for a UN protection force in the Gaza Strip. This would first require a humanitarian ceasefire, she stressed.