Germany announces Gaza reconstruction conference with Egypt
The German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, described this Friday as “good news” the ceasefire agreement reached between Israel and the Islamist group Hamas after more than two years of war in Gaza, and confirmed that Germany, together with Egypt, will organize a reconstruction conference for the Strip on a date yet to be defined.
“After more than two years of war in Gaza, a ceasefire has finally been agreed upon. This is good news for people in the Middle East and far beyond,” he stressed in a statement, in which he thanked US President Donald Trump for his peace efforts and Qatar, Egypt and Turkey for their mediations.
Merz also wanted to express his gratitude to the Israeli government, which, he said, with the approval of the plan last night, “has cleared the path to peace.”
“Now we need rapid implementation. The hostages, among them German citizens, must finally return to their families. The ceasefire must come into force and stabilize over the course of the coming weeks. Humanitarian aid must quickly reach the people in Gaza,” the German Chancellor emphasized. “If these first important steps towards peace can be taken, it will be a great success,” he added.
Merz maintained, however, that it will still be necessary to “clarify how Gaza can be permanently secured and administered,” organize the demilitarization and withdrawal of Hamas, and guarantee humanitarian supplies to the civilian population and the reconstruction of Gaza. To this end, he stated, Germany is prepared to provide medical and psychological support to the freed hostages in the coming days, to immediately make available additional funds for humanitarian aid in the amount of 29 million euros and to organize together with Egypt an international conference for the reconstruction of Gaza.
The focus of that conference will be on the most urgent needs, such as rebuilding water and energy supplies, as well as health care.
Germany is willing to assume “responsibilities in the Peace Council” proposed by Trump and to contribute to promoting the reform process in the Palestinian National Authority. However, Germany rules out military participation in an international stabilization mission that is recognized by all parties. Berlin wants, however, to help establish the legal framework for this mission, for example through a Security Council resolution.
Finally, Merz explained, the Government will review, in light of the progress made on the ground in the implementation of the ceasefire agreement, its authorization for the export of weapons that can be used in Gaza after the restrictions it introduced a few months ago for the shipment of weapons to Israel. (Efe)
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