German FM warns of deteriorating situation in Gaza

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier warned of the deterioration of the situation in Gaza Strip, calling for exerting more efforts for the reconstruction of Gaza and improving the economic conditions there.

At a press conference at Gaza port Monday, Steinmeier said the situation in Gaza is very harsh and cannot remain like that for so long.

It became a powder keg that cannot be allowed to explode, he warned.

The Strip is in dire need of economic assistance and this cannot be done unless through opening crossings. It is also hard to open crossings while rocket attacks carried out from the Strip at Israel are still going on, he added.

The German minister arrived in Gaza Strip earlier in the day via "Erez" crossing on a brief visit.

Steinmeier, who is accompanied by a big German delegation, will meet with Palestinian Vice President Ziad Abu Amr and officials of the UN and the civil organizations in Gaza.

The German minister started a visit to Israel and Palestinian lands Sunday to discuss resuming negotiations between both sides.

Steinmeier conferred with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the situation in the Gaza Strip.

He also conferred with Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah on efforts to reconstruct Gaza.

The minister voiced concern over the living conditions in Gaza.