Chancellor Friedrich Merz of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) met with family members of German hostages held by Hamas at the Chancellery on Tuesday morning. Following the meeting, government spokesman Stefan Kornelius stated that the Chancellor emphasized the urgent need to end the suffering of the hostages and their families.
He issued a direct appeal to Hamas, urging the immediate release of all hostages and ensuring they receive humane treatment and necessary medical assistance. Chancellor Merz also acknowledged the dedication and resilience of the families, recognizing their impactful efforts to secure the hostages’ release and contribute to peace in Gaza.
The Chancellor further welcomed the peace plan for Gaza presented by U.S. President Donald Trump the previous day. He described the proposal as the most promising opportunity to end the conflict since October 7, 2023 and highlighted the significance of Israel’s support for the plan. The emphasis now is on securing Hamas’s agreement to pave the way for a peaceful resolution. According to Kornelius, the Chancellor expressed gratitude to the American President for his persistent efforts and commended the involvement of regional Arab states and other Muslim nations in influencing Hamas.
The German government remains in close contact with the United States, European partners and regional stakeholders during these critical days. Germany stands ready to actively contribute to the plan’s implementation.
