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Germany's foreign minister called Monday for immediate action on a Gaza ceasefire deal, warning negotiators they have just days to complete the first phase of U.S. President Donald Trump's peace plan as indirect talks between Israel and Hamas resumed in Cairo.
Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, speaking alongside Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar in Tel Aviv, said the current window of opportunity must not be wasted, with broad international backing now behind Trump's ceasefire framework.
"We must complete this first phase this week, or at the latest by the beginning of next week," Wadephul told reporters. "This is feasible, and it must be our goal."
The German diplomat outlined the immediate priorities under Trump's plan: establishing a ceasefire, securing the release of hostages held in Gaza, freeing Palestinian prisoners, and reducing military operations to allow humanitarian aid to flow into the besieged territory.
Wadephul emphasized Berlin's commitment to supporting the peace process beyond the immediate ceasefire, announcing Germany's readiness to contribute financially to Gaza's reconstruction and provide personnel to implement Trump's plan.
The foreign minister also revealed Germany's willingness to organize a reconstruction conference in partnership with Egypt, signaling long-term European engagement in rebuilding the war-torn enclave.
Wadephul's visit to Israel caps a regional tour that took him to Qatar and Kuwait over the weekend, with Egypt scheduled as his next stop Tuesday for discussions with Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Aaty.
His diplomatic mission coincides with the resumption of indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas in Cairo, where the United States, Qatar, and Egypt are serving as mediators in what could be a crucial week for achieving a breakthrough.
"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," Wadephul said, adding that this approach would enable sufficient humanitarian aid to reach Gaza's population.
The foreign minister stressed that while Israel would need to make compromises to secure the hostages' release, Trump's plan includes security assurances for the country as negotiations move forward to address broader issues in subsequent phases.
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