Berlin is adopting a cautious approach to the evolving “peace plan” for the Gaza Strip, signaling a reluctance to accept members of Hamas, a group designated as a terrorist organization by numerous nations, even as it pledges significant humanitarian and political assistance. The move reflects a delicate balancing act between addressing the urgent crisis and navigating complex geopolitical considerations.
Government spokesperson Steffen Meyer, responding to inquiries from the dts Nachrichtenagentur, confirmed that Berlin intends to limit its involvement to political and humanitarian support, explicitly excluding the acceptance of Hamas affiliates. This stance, while ostensibly aimed at upholding international law and countering terrorism, is likely to draw scrutiny regarding the practicality of any long-term reconciliation efforts when a key actor remains excluded from potential negotiations.
Germany is actively collaborating with Egypt to organize a Gaza reconstruction conference slated for Cairo in the coming weeks. A spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry presented this as an invitation extended to other nations, highlighting the transnational nature of the rebuilding effort. However, the spokesperson acknowledged the crucial roles of both Israel and the United States in the process, underscoring the tight coordination required for any meaningful progress.
Despite committing €29 million in immediate, ad-hoc relief to alleviate the most pressing needs, Berlin has refrained from providing an estimate for the overall cost of Gaza’s reconstruction. Critics argue that this lack of transparency and the modest initial financial commitment downplay the immense scale of the damage and the long-term investment required to foster stability. The offer to host the reconstruction conference, while framed as an act of goodwill, can also be interpreted as a strategic step to influence the international aid framework and ensure alignment with Berlin’s objectives.
The policy raises questions about the viability of a lasting solution given Hamas’s continued influence within Gaza and calls into focus the intricate web of political pressure and constraints shaping Germany’s response to the ongoing conflict.