German foreign minister says first phase of Trump's Gaza plan achievable by next week

German foreign minister says first phase of Trump's Gaza plan achievable by next week
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul in Poland, 29 September, 2025
Reuters

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said on Monday that the initial stage of U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan to end the conflict in Gaza must be implemented by the beginning of next week at the latest, while acknowledging that other elements of the proposal would take longer to resolve.

Wadephul explained that the first phase, involving a ceasefire, the release of hostages and prisoners, de-escalation of military actions, and the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza was achievable.

Speaking at a news conference in Tel Aviv following his meeting with Israeli counterpart Gideon Sa'ar, Wadephul said Israel would need to make compromises to secure the hostages' release while emphasizing that Trump's plan would provide security assurances for Israel.

"We are now in the first phase of the US plan, which aims for a ceasefire, the release of hostages, the release of Palestinian prisoners, and restraint in military operations," he said, adding that this will also enable sufficient humanitarian aid to reach the Gaza Strip.

“We must complete this first phase this week, or at the latest by the beginning of next week. This is feasible, and it must be our goal. After that, we should address all other issues, and these other issues will also take a certain amount of time,” he added.

Germany's top diplomat reiterated that Berlin is ready to make financial contributions for the reconstruction of Gaza and provide personnel to implement US President Trump's ceasefire plan. He also said Germany is willing to organize a reconstruction conference alongside Egypt.

Prior to arriving in Israel on Monday, Wadephul visited Qatar and Kuwait over the weekend. He plans to travel to Egypt on Tuesday to discuss the Gaza ceasefire with his Egyptian counterpart Badr Abdel Aaty.

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