BERLIN: German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on Wednesday expressed “deep concern” after the deadliest night of bombing in Gaza since a US-brokered truce went into effect earlier this month.
Gaza’s civil defense agency said the strikes had killed more than 100 people, including at least 35 children, a toll confirmed by an AFP tally of medical sources at five hospitals in Gaza.
“We appeal to Israel to exercise military restraint in order to prevent further suffering,” Wadephul said in a ministry statement released ahead of a planned trip to the region.
Israel carried out strikes on dozens of Hamas targets overnight to Wednesday following the death of a soldier.
After the strikes, the Israeli military said it had begun “renewed enforcement of the ceasefire,” though explosions could still be seen on an AFP live video feed of the Gaza skyline after the statement was issued.
US President Donald Trump, who helped to broker the nearly three-week-old truce, had earlier said that nothing would be allowed to jeopardize it. But he also 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.
“Following the agreement between Israel and Hamas on a ceasefire, there is hope for lasting peace, which we must continue to work toward,” he added.
Wadephul will first visit Jordan before heading to Lebanon and Bahrain, according to his ministry.
“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.