BERLIN, March 24, 2025 (WAFA) – Germany and Austria today condemned the Israeli government for legalizing 13 settlement outposts in the occupied West Bank.

During a press conference in Berlin, the German Foreign Ministry spokesman Christean Wagner emphasized that the controversial move violates international law and undermines the two-state solution.

“The German government rejects Israel’s entire settlement policy as illegal under international law, and it is clear that this policy must be ended and this decision reversed,” he said.

Regarding developments in Gaza, he said the German government had learned of the loss of many civilians' lives, adding that this situation is extremely worrying and is once again dragging the humanitarian situation in Gaza into a catastrophe.

Wagner strongly criticized Israeli army minister Israel Katz, who threatened the total destruction of Gaza with the ongoing bombing of Palestinian civilians, saying Katz's recent statements were unacceptable.

He pointed out that Israel's cutting off of water and electricity to Gaza and suspending the supply of aid for 22 days has left more than two million Palestinians facing a serious humanitarian crisis.

He called on the Israeli government to restore humanitarian access, including water and electricity, and to ensure access to medical care in accordance with international humanitarian law.

A.D/M.N