German Foreign Minister appeals for Israeli military restraint following overnight strikes that killed over 100 people in Gaza, including 35 children.
BERLIN: German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has urged Israel to show military restraint following the deadliest night of bombing in Gaza since a US-brokered truce began.
Wadephul expressed “deep concern” in a ministry statement released ahead of his planned trip to the Middle East.
Gaza’s civil defence agency reported the strikes killed more than 100 people, including at least 35 children.
An AFP tally of medical sources at five Gaza hospitals confirmed the death toll.
“We appeal to Israel to exercise military restraint in order to prevent further suffering,” Wadephul said.
Israel carried out strikes on dozens of Hamas targets overnight following the death of a soldier.
The Israeli military later said it had begun “renewed enforcement of the ceasefire,” though explosions continued in Gaza after the announcement.
US President Donald Trump, who helped broker the nearly three-week-old truce, endorsed Israel’s right to “hit back” if attacked.
Wadephul also called on Hamas to “fulfil its part of the agreement… to lay down its arms and finally hand over all the remains of the deceased hostages.”
He added that following the ceasefire agreement, “there is hope for lasting peace, which we must continue to work towards.”
The German foreign minister will first visit Jordan before heading to Lebanon and Bahrain.
“During my trip to the Middle East, I intend to discuss with our partners where and how Germany can specifically accompany and support the next steps,” he said. – AFP
