It does not currently intend to participate in the so-called International Stabilization Force in , said Foreign Minister Johan Vandeful, as such a force would probably have to resort even to military means.
The minister also criticized the prospect of creating new settlements in the West Bank, as reported by APE-MPE.
What does the Trump plan for Gaza provide?
According to the upcoming second phase of US President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan, “such a force is not just a mediation force, but must also be able, if necessary, to establish security in a very specific way, and many cannot imagine German soldiers doing that – especially in this region.
So we will not participate in the stabilization force in the immediate future,” said Vandefühl to the German news agency dpa, however he clarified that Berlin is ready to contribute constructively to the structures described in the relevant resolution of the United Nations Security Council.
Germany, however, added the foreign minister, has not yet received an official invitation to participate, e.g. at the Peace Council.
The second phase of the peace plan envisages the disarmament of Hamas and the creation of the International Stabilization Force, but the organization categorically refuses to hand over its weapons.
Germany is seeking a role in the reconstruction of the region
Germany wishes to play a central role in the reconstruction of the region, Johan Vandefühl continued.
“It would be important to be able to start very soon with the reconstruction of Gaza,” he said and warned of the risk of consolidating a situation where one area would be controlled by the Israeli army and another by Hamas. Germany maintains a special relationship with Israel and has a special responsibility towards its state because of the Holocaust, the minister underlined.
Vandefoul also appealed to all parties for patience in the implementation of the peace plan and estimated that “we are still very far from starting an effort to rebuild Gaza, while he called on the states of the region to contribute the necessary financial resources.
“Humanitarian aid is currently reaching the Gaza Strip in increasing numbers – but not yet enough. More border crossings have been opened and access from Jordan has clearly improved. Overall, however, the situation is not satisfactory. Internationally recognized aid organizations, which are also supported by Germany, urgently need access,” said Johan Vandeful, criticizing the Israeli government’s announcement of the creation of 19 new settlements in the West Bank.
“In the long run, Israel and its security would be better served by a two-state solution. But the expansion of the settlements threatens to make this prospect impossible,” he stressed.
