German FM calls for lifting of Gaza blockade during visit

The German foreign minister called Monday for Israel to lift the blockade of Gaza in return for Palestinian security reassurances during a visit to the beleaguered coastal enclave.

Frank-Walter Steinmeier arrived in Gaza on Monday at the head of a delegation of 60 German officials intending to review several projects as well as recent developments in the blockaded and war-torn enclave.

During a press conference in Gaza's seaport, he said that the enclave is in need of economic aid and investment that would only come if Israel opened the crossings.

He added, however, that opening the crossings would be difficult to achieve if rockets were still being fired from Gaza into Israel.

The German foreign minister said that security was the condition for human development.

Palestinian officials in the liaison office told Ma'an that the Gazan population continues to suffer as "real" reconstruction has not yet started.

Earlier this month, Germany announced a $41 million contribution to the UNRWA shelter assistance program in Gaza. more

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