German vice chancellor condemns Israeli plans for Gaza settlement

German Vice Chancellor and Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, Robert Habeck, criticized on Saturday plans by Israeli politicians to seize and settle the Gaza Strip, Anadolu Agency reports.

“Such a plan should not exist. The Israeli government needs to be clear on this matter,” he said.

Habeck, who is also the Green Party’s candidate for chancellor in an early general election in February, made the remarks in an interview with journalists from the Funke Media Group.

He said Israeli politicians appear to be focusing on the occupation and settlement of Gaza.

Habeck warned that the moves would undermine efforts to achieve sustainable security and lasting peace in the region.

While underscoring that Israel’s security is a matter of state priority for Germany and Israel must have the ability to defend itself, Habeck said: “There is a difference between fighting terrorism and settling Gaza.”

“This situation destroys the goal of a two-state solution. It is not in Israel’s long-term security interests,” he said.

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