BERLIN

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Tuesday promised political and financial support for US President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan.

“We welcome the Gaza peace plan presented yesterday (Monday) by President Trump,” Merz said at a Berlin press conference, adding that his government has been in close contact with partners about this initiative in recent weeks.

“After almost three years of bloodshed, this plan is the best chance yet for an end to the war. The fact that Israel supports this plan is a significant step forward,” Merz stressed.

“Now (Palestinian group) Hamas must agree and clear the way for peace. This is truly the last step that is necessary, and I expressly call on Hamas to agree to the plan so that the way to peace in the region is clear,” he added.

The conservative leader thanked Trump, key regional actors, and Arab states for their involvement in the plan and their promised support for its implementation.

Merz emphasized that Germany is also ready to support this initiative and reaffirmed Berlin's commitment to a two-state solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

"If an agreement is reached, Germany stands ready to contribute to the implementation of the plan. This includes political backing, humanitarian support, and the reconstruction of the region," Merz said. "We envision this as working toward a Middle East where Israelis and Palestinians can live peacefully and securely in two states."  

Wadephul to visit Middle East

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul also expressed hope that Trump's plan would be accepted by all conflict parties, implemented successfully, and ultimately end both the war and the suffering of hundreds of thousands of people in Gaza.

“This agreement can pave the way to a broader conciliation process in the Middle East. This opportunity must be taken. I will travel to the region next weekend to work on this goal,” he said in a statement in Berlin.

“I am grateful to US President Donald Trump and his administration for his intense efforts to end the war. The fact that President Trump is willing to head and chair the Board of Peace shows how serious he is,” Wadephul said. “The German government stands ready to support the plan with concrete measures,” he added.