German Foreign Ministry spokesman Sebastian Fischer stated that his country rejects Israel's plans to permanently occupy the Gaza Strip, stressing that the Strip "belongs to the Palestinians."

In a press statement on Monday, Fisher said that media reports about Israel's intention to "take control" of the northern Gaza Strip are "worrying."

He said, "Gaza belongs to the Palestinians, and we reject permanent occupation," and that there can be no solution outside Palestinian administration.

Fisher called on all parties to continue efforts "to achieve a ceasefire, release hostages, and resume humanitarian aid."

He continued: "Lasting peace can only be achieved through negotiations, ending the suffering of civilians, and releasing hostages."

On Monday, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said that Tel Aviv will not withdraw from the Gaza Strip after completing its occupation, even if it is in exchange for the release of prisoners held by Palestinian factions.

The leader of the far-right Religious Zionism party said in a speech at the Bisheva conference in West Jerusalem: "From the moment the maneuver (the anticipated expansion of the genocide) begins, there will be no withdrawal from the territories we have occupied, not even in exchange for the release of the kidnapped soldiers."

** Freedom Alliance ship targeted off Malta

Regarding the attack on a Freedom Alliance ship off the coast of Malta, the German spokesperson stated that they do not have detailed information about the attack, and that the incident requires an investigation.

He added: "In principle, shooting at a civilian ship is unacceptable and must be condemned."

The aid ship, part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, created through international initiatives and campaigns from around the world to stop Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip, was attacked by drones on Friday.

The attack caused a hole in the ship's hull and a fire in its bow, according to coalition sources.

Since March 2, Israel has closed the Gaza Strip's crossings to the entry of food, relief, medical aid, and goods, causing a significant deterioration in the humanitarian situation for Palestinians, according to government, human rights, and international reports.

With full American support, since October 7, 2023, Israel has been committing genocidal crimes in Gaza, leaving more than 170,000 Palestinians dead or wounded, most of them children and women, and more than 11,000 missing, amid massive destruction.