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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz “strongly condemns” Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s recent remarks on Gaza as “inhumane” and contrary to international law, while EU foreign ministers are expected to discuss possible sanctions against extremist Israeli politicians, the German government said Wednesday.
“The chancellor strongly condemns Minister Ben-Gvir’s inhumane remarks, which violate international law. They are unacceptable,” deputy government spokesperson Sebastian Hille told a press conference in Berlin.
Ben-Gvir recently called for intensified airstrikes on the Gaza Strip and for Israel to kill “30 to 40” Palestinians a day. He also renewed calls to resettle Israelis in Gaza at the expense of the Palestinian population.
Hille said EU leaders agreed at their June summit to prepare targeted measures against extremist politicians advocating actions that violate human dignity and international law.
He said EU foreign ministers would address the issue in the coming days at their informal Gymnich meeting, where EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas is expected to present proposals.
“The European Union foreign ministers will address this issue in the coming days at their informal Gymnich meeting. The European Union’s High Representative Kaja Kallas will submit proposals on this matter,” Hille said.
Hille also said Merz was following recent actions by the Israeli government in the occupied West Bank with “great concern,” adding that Berlin had repeatedly expressed those concerns.
Merz’s position is that there should be no further steps toward annexation in the West Bank, whether through formal measures or political, planning or other actions whose effects increasingly amount to annexation, Hille said.
He said such measures obstruct a two-state solution.
Hille added that Merz has called on Israel to ensure Palestinians are treated humanely, protect their property and provide access to public services and humanitarian aid.
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