A tense conversation between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock erupted yesterday over the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. Baerbock accused Israel of “heading towards famine in Gaza,” prompting Netanyahu to rebuke her claims.
When Baerbock offered to show Netanyahu photos of hungry Gazan children, he responded, “Come and see the pictures of the markets in Gaza, the beaches in Gaza, there’s no famine there.” Netanyahu was referring to recent photos circulating on social media, which show stocked market stalls and Gazans enjoying a day at the beach, following the IDF’s withdrawal from the Strip two weeks ago.
Baerbock countered, “Those photos don’t portray the real situation in Gaza. There is hunger in Gaza.” Netanyahu raised his voice, insisting, “It’s real. It’s reality. It’s not like what the Nazis staged, we’re not like the Nazis who produced fake images of a manufactured reality.”
The German foreign minister responded, “Are you saying that our doctors in the field in Gaza aren’t telling the truth? Are you saying that the international media is lying?”
Baerbock’s visit to Israel came in the wake of Iran’s unprecedented attack on Israel last weekend, which prompted Germany to urge Israel to show restraint and avoid escalating tensions in the region.
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3 Responses
Baerbock should have challenged his energies on ordering Hamas to release & return very single hostage immediately. This would have been way more productive usage of his time, as well as way likelier to bring some closure to this horrendous but tragically now necessary conflict.
“Are you saying that the international media is lying?” What a chidush?
Baerbock showed very little restraint in her exchange with the PM. She came to boss Israel as to what they should or shouldn’t be doing. Hmm. And does it count that Israel us sending tons of humanitarian aid to sworn enemies, at a time of ongoing conflict, when the enemy repeatedly proves how profoundly inhumane they are?