Before his speech in New York: Baerbock reminds Netanyahu of UN principles

In New York, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's address to the UN General Assembly is imminent. Session President Baerbock expects a "very intense speech." Beforehand, the former foreign minister appealed to Netanyahu.

Shortly before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's address to the UN General Assembly, UN General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock recalled the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter. "Annexation is prohibited, just as international humanitarian law prohibits the use of humanitarian aid as a weapon of war," the former German Foreign Minister said in New York. A ceasefire is urgently needed in the Gaza war "so that the hostages can be released and humanitarian aid can reach Gaza."

The wording of the UN Charter and the majority position of the member states are very clear, Baerbock said: "Every country in this world has a right to self-determination." One of the first UN resolutions of the 20th century was already concerned with "that Palestinians can live peacefully in their own state alongside the State of Israel, which, of course, must also live in security." This is "a fundamental premise of the United Nations. And every head of state and government must actually adhere to it, because the Charter of the United Nations applies to every country."

When asked whether she expected the Israeli prime minister to announce a complete annexation of the West Bank, as many feared, Baerbock replied: "I can't say anything about that. I can't predict that." Last year, Netanyahu delivered a speech at the United Nations, which was followed by further attacks on Lebanon.

In light of Netanyahu's sharply criticized recognition of a Palestinian state by more and more countries, Baerbock said she expects "a very intense speech," referring to the Israeli Prime Minister's appearance, which is scheduled for the afternoon German time. In recent days, she has seen several times "that heads of state and government make their opinions very clear," she said, without mentioning US President Donald Trump by name. But she also saw that New York is clearly the place "where people want to be these days."

Baerbock also welcomed Trump's new proposal for peace in the Middle East. Creating a peace plan is currently one of the most important projects the United Nations must continue to work on. "And every proposal for this is, of course, essential," she added, referring to Trump.