The German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has again urged the Israeli government to comply with international humanitarian law in its war in Gaza.

She said this was in view of the catastrophic situation of the civilian population in Gaza.

“Like any other country in the world, Israel has the right to defend itself,” Ms Baerbock said. “Like any other country in the world, it must do so within the framework of international humanitarian law and human rights law.’’ 

Ms Baerbock said on Monday at the spring session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva that Germany is working continuously in favour of a humanitarian ceasefire.

“The humanitarian situation in Gaza is simply catastrophic.

“Mothers are running from the fighting, dragging their crying kids behind them, in panic and despair. Orphaned children are wandering the ruins of their homes. Barefoot, hungry, alone,” Ms Baerbock said.

The minister also urged the UN Human Rights Council to extend its mandate to investigate the events in Iran following the violent suppression of protests in the country.

Addressing the government in Tehran, she emphasised that she wanted to make it clear to those who claimed that pointing out violations was interference in internal affairs.

“Human rights aren’t something western, northern, eastern or southern. They are universal,” the minister added. 

(dpa/NAN)