For many months, the quantity of relief supplies crossing the border into Gaza has been inadequate and the humanitarian situation there remains disastrous. Following the entry into effect of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas on 20 January, for a few weeks there was finally tangible hope that the situation would improve – both for the hostages and their families and for the people of Gaza.

With Israeli attacks resuming in Gaza, the humanitarian situation of the local population is deteriorating rapidly. Moreover, Israel has imposed a blockade on the delivery of humanitarian goods since the beginning of March.

Together with her counterparts from France and the United Kingdom, Foreign Minister Baerbock issued the following statement on 21 March:

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.