German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul urged Israel and Hamas to accept a ceasefire plan that secures Israeli hostage releases and alleviates Palestinian suffering in Gaza. Hamas agreed to a proposal for an initial 60-day truce, limited hostage releases in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, and more humanitarian aid access; Israel has not immediately responded. Netanyahu has linked any pause to hostage returns while insisting on continuing operations until Hamas is defeated. Qatar and Egypt, backed by the United States, have mediated talks. The conflict began after the October 7, 2023 attack; reported casualties exceed 1,200 Israelis and over 62,000 Palestinians.
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 agreed to a ceasefire proposal allowing for an initial 60-day truce, limited release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, and increased aid entry into Gaza.
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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