Germany urges Israel to expand access to Gaza Strip

JAKARTA - German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul urged Israel to immediately expand access to humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip and lift restrictions on the import of supplies for humanitarian organizations.

"The suffering of more than two million people, whose situation has not improved in the midst of the conflict over Iran, cannot be ignored. Humanitarian aid must be immediately increased," Wadephul said at a press conference after meeting his counterpart from Israel, Gideon Saar, as reported by ANTARA from Sputnik, Wednesday, May 6.

He also urged that restrictions on the shipment of spare parts and supplies for humanitarian workers to the Gaza Strip be lifted immediately.

The German Foreign Minister reiterated Berlin's commitment to the principle of a two-state solution in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

He again stressed that Germany does not recognize Israel's de facto annexation of parts of the West Bank.

Furthermore, the diplomat also expressed "deep concern" over ongoing settlement activity in the enclave.