Chancellor Friedrich Merz has welcomed the Gaza peace plan unveiled yesterday, Monday, by US President Donald Trump, describing it as “the best chance to end the war” and calling on Hamas to agree and “pave the way to peace”. He also expressed Berlin’s intention to play a “concrete role “in the implementation of the plan.

During a meeting earlier today at the Chancellery with relatives of German hostages held by Hamas, Merz stressed that the suffering of the hostages and their families must immediately end and called once again on Hamas to release all hostages. “They must be treated humanely and receive medical assistance, he stressed, and praised their families “for their irreplaceable work and their moving strength.”

Referring to President Trump‘s plan for peace in Gaza, the chancellor said the proposal “represents the best chance to end the war by October 7, 2022,” adding that Israel’s support for the plan “represents significant progress” and “now Hamas must agree and open the road to peace.” Friedrich Merz thanked Donald Trump for his “persistent efforts” and acknowledged the commitment of Arab states in the region and other Muslim countries, thanking them for their influence on Hamas.

“The federal government has been in close contact with the US, its European neighbours, and its partners in the region during these critical days. Germany is ready to play a concrete role in the implementation of the plan,” Chancellor Merz said, according to a chancellery statement.