In Al-Arish, the delegation met North Sinai Governor Khaled Megawer to review developments in Gaza’s humanitarian situation, the status of the Rafah border crossing, and ongoing joint relief efforts, according to an official statement on the visit.
The delegation, accompanied by the governor, also toured the Rafah crossing and the humanitarian logistics hub for Gaza operated by the Egyptian Red Crescent.
Officials warned that, despite the broader regional situation, maintaining a steady flow of humanitarian supplies into Gaza remains essential, particularly after access conditions to the strip deteriorated again in February.
“My key message is that we must not forget Gaza or the implementation of the peace plan. There are currently many other priorities, and at times it feels as though Gaza is no longer at the forefront as it was just a few weeks ago,” Ambassador Schulz said.
The German government, for its part, has stressed that Gaza must remain a top priority and has welcomed the resumption of medical evacuations through Rafah. However, it noted that crossings remain limited, with more than 18,000 people still on waiting lists for evacuation due to urgent medical needs.
Berlin has also emphasized that those most in need must receive assistance without delay and has reiterated its call for the full reopening of the crossing to allow movement in both directions. German officials further expressed appreciation for Egypt’s continued support for Gaza and its efforts to ease regional tensions.
Against the backdrop of the war with Iran, the German government has significantly increased its humanitarian assistance to the Near and Middle East, bringing the total to €188 million. According to official statements, these funds are intended to support UN agencies and international humanitarian organizations operating across the region, including in the Palestinian territories.
The German Federal Foreign Office has also stated that it has provided more than €420 million in humanitarian aid to the Palestinian territories since 7 October 2023, with around 90 percent allocated to Gaza, making Germany one of the largest donors alongside the European Union.
German officials have repeatedly warned that the situation in Gaza remains tense and have called on all parties to exercise restraint so as not to jeopardize the ceasefire. This position aligns with Berlin’s broader stance that humanitarian access must be expanded and sustained, as emphasized in multiple government statements.
Germany has further underscored the importance of advancing all elements of the agreed peace framework, as outlined in United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803, warning that prolonged delays risk undermining prospects for a sustainable resolution.
The German federal government has said it will continue to work closely with Egyptian partners and international stakeholders to improve conditions in Gaza and support progress towards peace. It has also stressed that developments elsewhere in the region, including in Iran, must not divert attention from the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Short link: