German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock broke down in tears on Friday during a meeting with two families whose loved ones were abducted to Gaza. Baerbock, who came to Israel for a visit in solidarity and support for Israel, had previously watched some of the horror videos filmed by Hamas murderers and asked her Israeli hosts to take a break for a few minutes to recover from the horrific scenes.
In her subsequent remarks to the international media, she echoed President Kennedy's statement at the height of the Cold War, saying, "On this day we are all Israelis." In response to a question about the humanitarian situation in Gaza following the Israeli attack, Baerbock stressed that "Hamas exploits the civilians of Gaza as human shields for its terrorist activities."
"Hamas exploits the citizens of Gaza as human shields for its terrorist activities." German Foreign Minister Baerbock and Foreign Minister Cohen, Photo: Ronen Horesh/Foreign Ministry
Baerbock met with Foreign Minister Eli Cohen in Netivot. They visited the Netivot situation center and a fall site where three members of the same family were killed. Later she spoke with Yoni Asher and Gil Roman, whose loved ones were abducted to Gaza by Hamas terrorists.
Cohen said that he was "full of appreciation for Sarah Baerbock for coming to Israel and for the steadfastness of all of Germany alongside the people of Israel at this difficult time. Germany stands with the people of Israel and supports our right to defend our citizens against the murderous terrorist organization Hamas. These solidarity visits strengthen international support for Israel and expose visitors to the atrocities committed by Hamas terrorists."
Baerbock told the media of her feelings, saying: "We saw the shocking images of the terrorist attack. These are pictures that no one should see. On days like these, we are all Israelis. I am shocked not only as Germany's foreign minister, but as a human being, mother and daughter."
Wrong? We'll fix it! If you find a mistake in the article, please share with us