"Together with our partner organisations in Israel and Palestine, we have high hopes for Minister Alabali-Radovan's trip, because the situation for the people is more dramatic than ever." "We are facing an abyss," is how our Israeli partner organisation "Peace Now" describes the situation in the region. The recent attack on the Nasser Hospital in Gaza with numerous civilian casualties shows the dramatic escalation of violence. At the same time, the systematic de facto annexation of the West Bank is progressing - in particular through the further legal development of the so-called E1 settlement plan, which is intended to finally interrupt the territorial continuity of the West Bank and, according to Israeli Finance Minister Smotrich, "bury the idea of a Palestinian state". This plan is an attack on the Palestinians' hope for a life of security, freedom and self-determination and not only robs them of their livelihood, but also brings further despair and conflict to a region in desperate need of peace.

Extreme forces in Israel are pursuing a coordinated policy of displacement that is fuelling the conflict. Our Israeli partner "Rabbis for Human Rights" comments that a programme that openly attempts to prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state not only violates the human rights of Palestinians, but also contradicts Israeli interests and the basic Jewish values of peaceful coexistence with its neighbours.

A way out of this situation is only possible through a rejection of further expulsions and a political solution that strengthens the moderate political forces on both sides. Misereor supports the work of its partner organisations on the ground to strengthen peaceful coexistence and identify political solutions for peace. We therefore hope that Minister Alabali-Radovan will use her trip to the Middle East to campaign for an end to these annexation and settlement plans and for a lasting ceasefire."