German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (CDU) aims to promote cooperation between Arab and EU countries to ensure the sustainable implementation of U.S. President Donald Trump’s Middle East peace plan. “To implement the U.S. plan swiftly, determined international cooperation is required,” Wadephul said on Sunday morning in Berlin before departing for Qatar.
Germany, he stated, intends to play “a decisive role in stabilizing the region with lasting security for all.” The country will make “concrete offers” as a “partner for humanitarian aid, stabilization, and reconstruction.”
Almost two years after Hamas’ large-scale attack on Israel, the Islamist Palestinian organization on Friday partially approved Trump’s 20-point plan to end the Gaza war, pledging in particular the release of the remaining Israeli hostages in its custody. Trump subsequently called on Israel to “immediately” halt its attacks on targets in the Gaza Strip.
Wadephul said on Sunday there was finally “movement in the international efforts to end the suffering in the Gaza Strip.” Trump’s peace plan, he emphasized, presented a “unique opportunity, also because it was shaped and supported by Arab and Muslim nations.” “After two horrific years of violence and destruction, this great opportunity must now be seized,” the foreign minister urged.
“The signals of recent days give me confidence that Israel’s government and Hamas are prepared to take the necessary steps,” Wadephul added. However, he stressed that “the assistance of all those who can exert influence is essential.”
Wadephul will meet on Sunday with Sheikh Mohammed Al-Thani, Qatar’s foreign minister, who plays an “indispensable role” in negotiations to end the Gaza war. The talks will focus on “how Hamas can now be persuaded to follow its words with actions, namely, to release all hostages immediately.” Among the hostages are German citizens who must be freed at once, he emphasized.
On Sunday and Monday, Wadephul will also hold talks in Kuwait with his EU counterparts and members of the Gulf Cooperation Council. The Gaza war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas and its allies attacked Israel, killing more than 1,200 people, according to Israeli sources. A total of 251 people were taken hostage to Gaza. Two years later, 47 hostages remain in Hamas’ captivity, and at least 25 are believed to be dead.
In response to the Hamas assault, Israel has continued its large-scale military operations in Gaza. According to the Hamas-controlled Health Ministry, figures that cannot be independently verified, more than 66,200 people have been killed.
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