Welcome
Ceasefire in Gaza – Germany continues its assistance
Emergency hospital in Gaza supported by Federal Government humanitarian assistance funding, © ICRC
Now that the ceasefire in Gaza is in effect, there is hope at last that the humanitarian situation will improve. In order to alleviate this suffering, Germany has repeatedly and significantly increased its humanitarian assistance. Read on to find out more.
For months now, the quantity of relief supplies crossing the border into Gaza has been inadequate and the humanitarian situation there remains disastrous. According to the United Nations, around 1.9 million people – or around 90 percent of the population – in Gaza are internally displaced. Some of these people have already had to flee several times and are now in areas where there is insufficient infrastructure to provide for them.
For many months, the quantity of relief supplies crossing the border into Gaza has been woefully inadequate and the humanitarian situation there remains disastrous. Following the entry into effect of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas on 20 January, there is finally tangible hope as well as first positive signals – both for the hostages and their families and for the people of Gaza.
Foreign Minister Baerbock issued the following statement concerning the ceasefire on 15 January:
Today is a day of relief. Relief that the suffering on all sides can now end. The agreement on the release of the hostages and the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas will not only save lives but give people in Gaza, the hostages and their families, as well as everyone in the region, tangible hope after 15 months. And it shows how important it is to never lose faith in diplomacy – even in the darkest hours.
Together with UN organisations and NGOs, Germany has been preparing for many months for the moment when a ceasefire enters into force. With our humanitarian assistance for the people of Gaza, we have been helping since October 2023 to ensure that food, emergency accommodation and medical supplies are in the region and can now be transported by lorry to Gaza.
It is in part thanks to assistance from Germany that the warehouses at the border crossing points to Gaza are well stocked. The very first day of the ceasefire saw a substantial increase in aid deliveries. That is good news. The task now is to consolidate this positive trend and to ensure that further assistance reaches the suffering civilian population in Gaza. Foreign Minister Baerbock also pointed this out:
I call on all sides to respect the provisions of the agreement. The hostages must be released quickly and in accordance with its terms. Humanitarian assistance must be provided on a massive scale to those suffering in Gaza. Likewise, the military withdrawal and the return of Palestinians to their homes must be implemented.
According to the United Nations, some 1.9 million people in Gaza – or around 90% of the population – are internally displaced. Some of these people have already had to flee several times over and are now in areas where there is insufficient infrastructure to provide for them.
The supply of basic provisions for the civilian population has collapsed. Hundreds of thousands of people, including many children, continue to lack bare essentials, above all food, water and medical care.
Assistance from Germany: Food and medical care
Since the very start of the war, Germany’s assistance has been focused on the most urgent needs of the people on the ground: medical and food aid – such as the distribution of food baskets and food supplements, the deployment of emergency medical teams and psychosocial support for families.
With German support, the UN International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) and the World Food Programme are providing ready‑to‑eat nutrition supplements and infant formula to protect babies and young children from malnutrition.
The World Health Organization, as well as the German Red Cross, the Johanniter, Care International and Oxfam, can improve healthcare in Gaza – for example by running mobile clinics in emergency shelters and operating equipment for water treatment.
The UN Development Programme is assisting in the disposal of waste, thus helping to prevent outbreaks of diseases.
All in all, German assistance for the Palestinian territories has been increased by more than 300 million euro since 7 October 2023.
The Special Envoy for Middle East Humanitarian Issues is coordinating Germany’s contribution
Foreign Minister Baerbock appointed the seasoned career diplomat Deike Potzel as Germany’s Special Envoy for Middle East Humanitarian Issues to coordinate Germany’s contribution. In this role, she serves as a central German point of contact for stakeholders in the region. The Special Envoy’s work is embedded in international efforts to mitigate the humanitarian crisis in which Gaza’s civilian population finds itself following Hamas’ terrorist attacks.
As part of humanitarian shuttle diplomacy in the region, the Special Envoy serves as a primary contact person for UN organisations (OCHA, UNRWA, WFP, UNICEF) and the ICRC, as well as international and regional partners. She is also in close contact with those responsible for humanitarian assistance in the region and in our partners’ capitals. Her work builds on Germany’s long-standing humanitarian commitment, as well as efforts for peace and stability in the region.