Germany defends EU-Israel deal as ‘important forum' for talks
Germany on Wednesday defended an EU-Israel cooperation deal, a day after the bloc had ordered a review of it in a bid to pressure Israel over the Gaza war.
Without explicitly confirming media reports that Berlin had opposed the review, foreign ministry spokesman Christian Wagner said that 'the EU-Israel Association Agreement is an important forum that we must use in order to discuss critical questions' over the situation in Gaza.
The review announced on Tuesday comes as some European nations take a tougher line with Israel over the devastating impact of its offensive in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the territory.
EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas said 'a strong majority' of the 27 member states had backed the review.
Diplomats said 17 EU states pressed for the review under an article of the agreement that calls for a respect for human rights, with the Netherlands spearheading the latest push.
On Monday the leaders of Britain, France and Canada condemned Israel's 'egregious actions' in Gaza and warned of joint action if it did not halt its heightened military offensive there.
On Wednesday Stefan Kornelius, spokesman for Chancellor Friedrich Merz, reiterated Germany's 'great concern at the humanitarian situation in Gaza' but stopped short of mentioning any possible further action.
Wagner also confirmed that on Tuesday nine German nationals had been evacuated from Gaza 'in close co-ordination with the Israeli government', together with three of their immediate family members.
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