Germany has ruled out participating in a potential peacekeeping force for Gaza, citing significant logistical challenges and a lack of widespread European support. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), articulated the government’s position in an interview with ARD’s “Tagesthemen” program on Thursday, emphasizing the importance of securing acceptance from the Palestinian population, particularly within the Muslim world.
Wadephul suggested alternative contributors, pointing specifically to the potential involvement of Indonesia, Pakistan and Azerbaijan – nations perceived as possessing greater cultural resonance within the region. He stressed the necessity of a United Nations Security Council mandate to provide a legally sound framework for any peacekeeping operation.
While expressing cautious optimism regarding the recent ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas – described as a “huge relief” – Wadephul underscored that sustained progress requires immediate and substantial humanitarian assistance. Germany is prepared to pledge approximately €30 million in aid and to assume leadership in the provision of medical services, including the reconstruction of Gaza’s healthcare infrastructure. This, he argued, is a preliminary step toward fostering regional acceptance and facilitating future peace processes.
Looking ahead, Wadephul announced that Germany and Egypt will jointly host a reconstruction conference in Cairo within the next three weeks. This initiative aims to coordinate international efforts to rebuild Gaza and lay the foundation for long-term stability, although critics are already questioning the practicality of such a conference given the ongoing political uncertainties and the deep-seated mistrust within the region. The lack of detail surrounding the potential mandate and the reliance on nations with potentially conflicting interests also raise concerns about the efficacy of Germany’s proposed approach.
