Germany's Baerbock warns Iran-backed groups against joining Gaza war

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock on Friday warned Iran and Iran-backed Islamist militias like Hezbollah not to get involved in the war in Gaza.

"I'm warning Iran, I'm warning Shiite militias in Iraq, I'm warning the Houthi in Yemen not to ignite and join in the terror," Baerbock said in Tel Aviv following a meeting with Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen and opposition politician Benny Gantz.

She accused Hezbollah of seeking to draw all of Lebanon into the growing conflict, which broke out after Palestinian militant group Hamas launched bloody attacks on Israel on October 7 that killed more than 1,400 people.

Baerbock also voiced criticism of Israel's decision to place the densely populated Gaza Strip under a "complete siege" that involves cutting off supplies of electricity, drinking water and food. Israeli forces have pounded Gaza with repeated strikes, leaving thousands dead.