Germany is declining to participate in any potential peacekeeping force deployment to Gaza, a decision articulated by Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, highlighting significant logistical and political hurdles. Addressing the ARD’s “Tagesthemen” program, Wadephul stated that German involvement would be “very difficult” reflecting a broader hesitance among European nations.
The Minister emphasized the critical need for any peacekeeping initiative to garner acceptance from the Palestinian population, stressing the importance of Muslim-majority nations taking a leading role. He specifically pointed to the potential engagement of Indonesia, Pakistan and Azerbaijan as preferable contributors, arguing that their background and cultural understanding would be vital for achieving legitimacy. Wadephul explicitly ruled out German military intervention without a clear mandate from the United Nations Security Council, underlining the need for a robust legal framework.
While expressing what he termed “unimaginable relief” at the recently achieved ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, Wadephul cautioned that the arrangement constitutes merely a preliminary step. “The ceasefire itself doesn’t achieve anything” he noted, immediately pivoting to the urgent necessity of humanitarian aid for the Gazan Strip.
Germany is prepared to contribute approximately €30 million in aid, assuming a leadership role in providing medical assistance and facilitating the reconstruction of Gazan hospitals. Wadephul framed this as a crucial “first condition” for fostering regional acceptance and paving the way for subsequent processes.
In a move signaling potential long-term commitment, Wadephul announced that Germany and Egypt will jointly host a reconstruction conference in Cairo within the coming three weeks. This gathering aims to coordinate international efforts to rebuild Gaza and address the underlying conditions that fueled the conflict, although its success will hinge on securing buy-in from all stakeholders and ensuring the aid reaches those who need it most, free from political interference. The decision to exclude direct military participation while focusing on reconstruction and diplomatic engagement underscores a cautious approach from Berlin, reflecting a desire to avoid entanglement in a volatile and complex geopolitical landscape.