Afghanistan Times
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AT Kabul: Germany’s Development Minister Reem Alabali-Radovan has called on Israel to stop “destroying lives in Gaza,” warning that no military objective can justify the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the besieged territory. Speaking emotionally at the Hamburg Sustainability Conference on Monday, Alabali-Radovan demanded immediate and full humanitarian access to Gaza, stressing that children starving, mothers unable to treat injured children, and families buried under rubble cannot be tolerated in the pursuit of any political or military goal.
“There can and must be no military goal that justifies children starving, mothers being unable to receive treatment for their injured children, or entire families being buried under rubble,” she said. The minister described the situation as a “man-made humanitarian catastrophe” and called for an immediate ceasefire followed by the restoration of aid flows, stressing that “without a ceasefire, there will be no protection for civilians, no secure supply, and no prospect of political solutions.”
While condemning the Hamas attacks of October 7 as “barbaric,” Alabali-Radovan affirmed Israel’s right to protect its population but insisted all state actions must comply with international law. Chancellor Friedrich Merz has reportedly taken a harder line on aid access to Gaza, underscoring the urgency of delivering humanitarian relief amid Germany’s historically strong support for Israel.
Alabali-Radovan, a refugee of Iraqi descent and the first politician with Middle Eastern roots to serve in Germany’s federal cabinet, drew on her personal background to highlight the broader consequences of neglecting humanitarian crises. “If we don’t do anything with crises then people tend to flee, they don’t want to but they have to,” she said, stressing the importance of global cooperation and aid to prevent further displacement.
Her call was echoed by Cindy McCain, Director General of the World Food Programme, who condemned accusations of aid diversion in Gaza and emphasized that the people there are starving, not terrorists. “If they see an aid truck coming, they want food for their families. I would do anything to feed my family. I think you would too,” McCain said.
As the conflict continues to unfold, Germany’s new leadership seeks to balance historical ties with Israel while addressing urgent humanitarian needs in Gaza.
