German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul called on the Israeli government and Hamas militant group to agree on a ceasefire proposal that secures the release of Israeli hostages and stops the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza.
Speaking with his Indonesian counterpart in Jakarta, Wadephul said, “There is now a very real opportunity to resolve the conflict.”
“The goal for all of us is clear: a two-state solution, which must be negotiated,” Wadephul said.
On Monday, Hamas allowing for an initial 60-day truce, limited release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, and increased aid entry into Gaza.
Israel has not immediately responded. While Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has previously said fighting could be paused to facilitate hostage releases, he has said Israel until all the hostages are returned and Hamas is defeated and disarmed.
Qatar and Egypt, backed by the US, have mediated the negotiations.
The war in Gaza, which started after a Hamas-led terror attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, that killed 1,200 people in Israel, with some 250 more taken hostage, is now almost in its 23rd month.
More than 62,000 Palestinians have been killed since the start of the war, according to health officials in the Hamas-governed enclave. The United Nations deems the figures reliable.
The German foreign minister added that his country has a special responsibility for Israel and supports its fight against Hamas.
However, Wadephul noted that the German government condemns the suffering of the population in Gaza and has called on Israel to take measures to stop the suffering of civilians.
“The goal for all of us is clear: a two-state solution, which must be negotiated,” Wadephul said. “It would be in all of our interests if this political conflict could be resolved through a peaceful process.”
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