German FM Baerbock calls on Arabs to work together for Mideast peace

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has called on the Arab states to work together constructively for peace between Israel and the Palestinians in the face of new heavy fighting in the Gaza Strip.

"All those who want to end the suffering must work together now," the Green politician told dpa in Berlin. "Because the key to a life in peace and security for the Israelis and Palestinians also lies in the region."

Especially in the hours in which a continuation of the humanitarian truce was being negotiated, she said that "a close dialogue with the constructive and moderate Arab states in the region was important."

"We have made this our priority from the outset and we will not let up in this commitment," Baerbock said, particularly emphasizing the mediation activities of Qatar, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), as well as Bahrain and Morocco.

"In a situation where one more spark is enough to set the entire region on fire, Germany will continue to work intensively with its regional partners to ensure that Hamas no longer has the chance to bring the terror of October 7 upon Israel again and again," Baerbock said.

"So that a future for the region is possible in which all states have a right to sovereignty and to live in peace and security."

Baerbock stressed the "indispensable role" that Qatar is playing as a mediator in negotiating humanitarian ceasefires and the release of hostages. "Fourteen German-Israelis, including many children and women, have already been able to return to their families from the dark tunnels of Hamas thanks to this invaluable commitment," she said.

The importance of the Arab states for peace is also shown "by the strong humanitarian commitment of the United Arab Emirates and how unwaveringly they, Bahrain and Morocco are sticking to the peace treaties with Israel despite enormous counter-pressure," she said, adding: "Because they know that this is the only way for Palestinians to have a future in security."