Germany does not support UNICEF call for Gaza cease-fire

BERLIN

Germany has refrained from supporting UNICEF’s call for a cease-fire and the establishment of safe humanitarian corridors in Gaza amid increased Israel airstrikes.

“I'll start again very fundamentally: Israel has the right under international law to defend itself against this terrorist attack by Hamas and to protect its own population,” Christian Wagner said in response to a question whether Germany supports UNICEF's calls for a cease-fire in Gaza and establishing a humanitarian corridor.

“I would also like to reiterate that the right to self-defense naturally applies particularly in moments where the attacks continue. This also includes all measures aimed at stopping these attacks,” he said in a news conference in Berlin.

Earlier in response to Anadolu's question, UNICEF said on Friday that for children's safety, a cease-fire and humanitarian corridor are needed in Gaza amid the continuing conflict between Israel and Hamas.

According to the latest numbers, 447 children have been killed in Gaza, UNICEF spokesperson James Elder said, citing Palestinian Health Ministry figures.

On a question by Anadolu about Israel's order for evacuation of Palestinians from northern Gaza within the next 24 hours, the spokesperson said that it "is simply not possible" to carry out such a movement in such a densely populated area.

The Israeli army on Friday called on all residents of northern Gaza to evacuate their homes and head to the south.

In an earlier statement, UNICEF said that it is "terrified" by the scenes in Gaza where a "large number of children are among the victims," and one million people "have no safe place to go."

"This is unacceptable and the violence must stop immediately," it urged.