German president balances Israel support with plea for Gaza relief

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has expressed hope that the "incredible story of reconciliation" between Israel and Germany can serve as "a glimmer of hope" for more peaceful times.

Steinmeier, speaking alongside Israeli President Isaac Herzog in Berlin as they marked 60 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries, said: "Our own history should also give others hope, especially in these times."

"Peace is possible, reconciliation is possible."

"And I am very aware that the view of the present is anything but hopeful," added Steinmeier, who dedicated much of his statement to the Gaza war.

Addressing Herzog, he said: "Your country was invaded by Hamas. In the face of the terrorist threat to Israel, your country cannot rest, must defend itself against Islamist terrorism and hostage-takers and kidnappings."

But he also addressed the plight of Gazans, noting the "enormous" destruction and "growing suffering" of the civilian population in the sealed-off coastal strip.

Steinmeier said he had asked Herzog to advocate for Israel to lift its blockade on humanitarian aid to Gaza.

"The friends of Israel, and I count Germany as a special friend, are not naive," Steinmeier said. "They recognize the dilemma that Hamas is creating for the Israeli army by cowardly hiding behind civilians while continuing to fire rockets at Israel."

"But I also fear that the suffering that the people in Gaza are experiencing is deepening the rifts further. And that worries me, as it does many other friends of Israel."