Germany thanks Israel for evacuating orphans: "We feel relieved"

The German Embassy in Tel Aviv expressed its gratitude to Israel for transferring 68 children from its orphanage in Rafah to Bethlehem.

"In the middle of November, the SOS Children's Village international organization appealed to the Foreign Minister for assistance for the Rafah SOS Children's Orphanage. We are relieved that our efforts have resulted in success, and would like to thank everyone involved. As part of a humanitarian operation, 68 Palestinian children, as well as 11 employees and their families were temporarily evacuated from the SOS Orphans Rafah Children's Village to Bethlehem in the West Bank. We are grateful to Israel for this important humanitarian gesture."

The embassy added that it is working to free Israeli hostages and that the orphans transfer is temporary. "Germany continues to stand by Israel in its fight against Hamas and works continuously for the release of all Israeli hostages. We also remain committed to the humanitarian aid to the citizens of Gaza. It is important to clarify that yesterday's transfer of orphans from Gaza is a temporary move during the war in order to get children out of immediate danger and not an attempt to move them permanently."