German Foreign Minister in Jerusalem says Gaza War cannot be resolved through military means
Alexander Ratz
JERUSALEM (Reuters) – German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said in Jerusalem on Sunday that the conflict in Gaza cannot be resolved through military means and that a political solution must be found to end the war permanently.
“I don't think this conflict can be permanently resolved by military means,” Vaddur said. “Nevertheless, it is urgent to disarm Hamas and no longer be able to have military control over Gaza.”
He said Germany will do everything to ensure Israel's security, but that does not mean that his country cannot criticize Israel's plan of action, adding that this must not lead to anti-Semitism.
According to Israel, Hamas attacked 1,200 people on October 7, 2023, and 251 were taken hostages and returned to Gaza. According to health authorities operated by Hamas, the Israeli campaign killed more than 52,000 Palestinians, mainly civilians.
“I’m not sure if all of Israel’s strategic goals can be achieved in this way (through military movements) and whether this can achieve Israel’s security in the long term,” Wadephul said. “That’s why we call for a return to serious negotiations on the ceasefire.”
Wadephul repeated that the return of hostages was the priority of the German government. He also said that Gaza was clearly part of the Palestinian territory.
“We need a political solution to rebuild Gaza without Hamas,” Waddur said.
(Reported by Alexander Ratz, Maria Martinez
