German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has reaffirmed Berlin’s support for Israel and US President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan following a visit to Qatar on Sunday.
“There is no better plan than President Trump’s. It must be implemented in principle, even if details still need to be clarified,” Wadephul said after meeting Qatari Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in Doha.
Qatar has played a central role as mediator between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in efforts to end the Gaza war.
Wadephul said there is “a realistic chance” for the hostages held by the militants to be released soon, for a ceasefire to be achieved and for humanitarian aid to reach the people of Gaza.
“That would be a first phase that could be reached fairly quickly,” he added, pledging to contribute where possible.
Emphasizing Germany’s support, he said, “Everyone knows we stand with Israel, that we have a special responsibility toward Israel, but of course also toward the hostages.”
Israel says 48 hostages remain in Hamas custody, including seven who hold German citizenship, of whom 20 are reportedly still alive.
Germany could also take part in a future “international transitional body, as outlined in Trump’s plan for Gaza’s governance, but only if agreed by both sides, the minister said.
The plan envisions Gaza initially managed by a transitional technocratic Palestinian committee with international experts, supervised by a “Board of Peace” led by Trump.
Wadephul flew onward to Kuwait to attend an EU–Gulf Cooperation Council foreign ministers meeting and is scheduled to visit Israel on Monday to discuss implementing the Trump plan.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (L) walks across the tarmac to the plane for his departure to Kuwait. Soeren Stache/dpa
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul makes a statement on the airport tarmac before his departure for Kuwait. Soeren Stache/dpa