German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced on Friday that Germany will provide €29 million ($34 million) in immediate humanitarian aid to Gaza.
The move follows Israel’s ratification of a ceasefire agreement with Hamas, marking a fragile turning point in months of conflict that has devastated the enclave’s civilian infrastructure.

Merz added on X (formerly Twitter) that Germany, together with Egypt, will host a reconstruction conference for Gaza signaling Berlin’s intent to play a more active diplomatic role in post-war recovery.

Why It Matters

The announcement reflects Germany’s reassertion of influence in Middle East diplomacy at a time when European engagement has often lagged behind Washington’s.
By committing to humanitarian relief and reconstruction talks, Merz positions Berlin as a bridge between Western allies, Israel, and Arab states, particularly amid U.S.-led efforts to stabilize the region.

The aid also underscores Germany’s shift toward balancing support for Israel with humanitarian responsibilities a politically sensitive stance given Germany’s historical ties and strong pro-Israel policy tradition.

Egypt is expected to play a co-leading role in organizing reconstruction efforts, leveraging its geographic and political proximity to Gaza.

The United States, under Trump’s proposed peace framework, has welcomed European participation but expects allies to match financial commitments with political backing for regional normalization.

Humanitarian agencies have urged that funds prioritize food, water, and medical relief before larger reconstruction efforts begin.

What’s Next

The focus now shifts to how quickly aid can be delivered and whether the ceasefire holds.
Preparations for the Berlin–Cairo reconstruction conference are expected to begin within weeks, with invitations extended to regional partners, the UN, and major donor states.

Should the truce collapse, humanitarian priorities could shift from rebuilding to emergency relief and refugee support, testing Germany’s diplomatic credibility in crisis management.

With information from Reuters.