Germany’s Foreign Minister Launches Personal Initiative for Gaza Ceasefire
Johann Wadephul to Visit Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, and Israel in Diplomatic Push for Negotiated End to Gaza War.
Watan-German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul announced his intention to personally intensify efforts to reach a negotiated solution in the Gaza war.
Speaking Thursday at a conference in the Italian capital, Rome, focused on continued support for Ukraine and strengthening transatlantic security, Wadephul stated that while he considers Israel’s fight against the Islamic group Hamas “justified in principle,” he also cannot ignore the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in the besieged coastal strip.
The minister, who belongs to Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s Christian Democratic Party, said: “That’s why achieving a ceasefire is worth every effort and every hardship.”
Wadephul is scheduled to depart Rome this evening for a multi-day tour of the Middle East, beginning in Egypt and continuing to Beirut (Lebanon), Amman (Jordan), Damascus (Syria), and finally Jerusalem.
“From that alone you can understand the extent of the new German government’s commitment to this conflict—matched by few other governments,” he added, noting the difficulty of resolving Middle Eastern conflicts. He emphasized that his personal involvement reflects a sincere “goodwill.”
According to Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, the Rome conference—which included ministers and representatives from Germany, France, Poland, the UK, and Spain—called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, and the resumption of humanitarian aid delivery.
