Germany defends EU-Israel agreement as 'important forum' for talks
Germany has defended a cooperation deal between the European Union and Israel, a day after the bloc ordered a review of it in a bid to pressure Israel over the war in Gaza.
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 the territory.
The review announced yesterday came as some European nations take a tougher line with Israel over the impact of its offensive in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis unfolding there.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas said that "a strong majority" of the 27 member states had backed the review.
Diplomats said that 17 countries 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 the UK, France and Canada condemned Israel's "egregious actions" in Gaza and warned of joint action if it did not halt its heightened military offensive.
Yesterday, 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.
Mr Wagner also confirmed that nine German nationals had been evacuated from Gaza "in close coordination with the Israeli government", along with three of their immediate family members.
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