The President of the UN General Assembly, Annalena Baerbock, has issued a stark warning to Israel, urging immediate and substantial improvements to the humanitarian situation within the Gaza Strip. Speaking to the Funke-Mediengruppe newspapers, Baerbock emphasized the precarious and unstable nature of the current ceasefire, highlighting the tragic toll on Palestinian children, with at least 67 killed since its implementation.
“The humanitarian needs are immense” Baerbock stated, “with hundreds of thousands, particularly children, lacking access to essential food, medical care and adequate shelter”. She underscored the necessity for “complete, safe and unimpeded access” for all humanitarian aid across Gaza, including vital support from the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which focuses on healthcare and education.
Baerbock expressed profound concern over the German government’s recent decision, under Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU), to abstain from extending UNRWA’s mandate. Despite ongoing financial contributions, she questioned the rationale behind the sudden withholding of support, pointing out that UNRWA has already implemented significant reform steps. “The mandate extends beyond Gaza, encompassing the West Bank, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon, all regions hosting large Palestinian refugee populations. Without the support of the United Nations, the stabilization of the region and the reconstruction of Gaza will be critically hampered.
The controversy surrounding UNRWA intensified following the events of October 7, 2023, when allegations surfaced linking UNRWA personnel to the Hamas massacre. Baerbock acknowledged her own previous stance as Foreign Minister, suspending German funding until thorough investigations and reforms were undertaken. She pointed to the “Colonna Report” compiled by former French Foreign Minister Michele Colonna and the subsequent steps taken to address criticisms as evidence of UNRWA’s commitment to change.
In a robust defense of UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who has faced fierce criticism from Israel, Baerbock passionately refuted accusations of bias. “The Secretary-General has repeatedly and unequivocally condemned the crimes of Hamas, making it clear that they are inexcusable” she asserted. She emphasized that Guterres consistently stands against antisemitism and all forms of dehumanization.
Baerbock reiterated that adherence to international humanitarian law and the protection of civilian populations are paramount in all conflicts, “a principle that applies to all states, including Israel”. She stressed that Guterres, like herself, has consistently championed both Israel’s right to exist and its security, alongside the Palestinian right to self-determination. Ultimately, she argued, a sustainable peace can only be achieved through a two-state solution.
