German Foreign Office says new Israeli offensive is of 'deep concern'

The German Foreign Office said on Saturday that Israel's new large-scale offensive against the Palestinian Islamist Hamas in the Gaza Strip is a cause "for deep concern" - both for Israel's strategic objectives and for the humanitarian situation.

The office, in a statement, noted that Israel, like any other country, has the right to defend itself.

"But the current actions could endanger the lives of the remaining hostages, including the Germans, who, after almost 600 days, are still fearing for their survival in Hamas dungeons," the statement said.

For this reason, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul had another phone call with his Israeli counterpart on Saturday, it added. Wadephul also remains in close contact with other regional partners, his office said.

Israel has been at war in the Gaza Strip for more than a year and a half – the conflict was triggered by the Hamas-led massacre on October 7, 2023. For weeks, a new major offensive had been anticipated, and during the night, the Israeli military announced that it had launched the operation under the name "Gideon's Chariots."