New German foreign minister travels to Israel for 'critical discussions'

BERLIN (Reuters) - The new German foreign minister, Johann Wadephul, departed for Israel on Saturday for a Middle East trip in which "critical discussions" are expected, he said when leaving Berlin.

"In both of our democracies, critical discussions about the policies of one's own government and friendly nations are part of this," Wadephul said on Saturday.

Wadephul condemned the Hamas' attacks "in the strongest terms" and called for the liberation of all hostages.

Hamas' attacks on October 7, 2023 killed 1,200 people and 251 were taken hostage back to Gaza, according to Israeli tallies. Israel's campaign has killed more than 52,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians, according to Hamas-run health authorities.

"I will ask about the strategic objective of the fighting, which has intensified again since March," Wadephul said.

According to a Foreign Office spokesperson, Wadephul will meet Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Wadephul will also visit the Yad Vashem memorial and talk to the relatives of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.

In Ramallah, the minister will meet with the Prime Minister of the Palestinian Authority, Mohammed Mustafa.

(Reporting by Alex Ratz, writing by Maria Martinez, Editing by Louise Heavens)