Foreign Minister Wadephul issued the following statement today (31 July)

“By joint decision of the security cabinet, I am travelling to Israel and the Palestinian territories today to discuss the dramatically worsened situation with my interlocutors.

The terrorist organisation Hamas is still holding hostages captive and, despite all the negotiation efforts, is not prepared to enter into a ceasefire. At the same time, the dying and suffering in the Gaza Strip has reached unfathomable dimensions. What is more, the most recent UN conference in New York showed that Israel is increasingly finding itself in a minority position. In view of the open annexation threats from sections of the Israeli Government, a sharply rising number of countries, including European countries, are prepared to recognise a Palestinian state even without a prior negotiation process. The region and the Middle East peace process thus stand at a crossroads. Germany, with our special responsibility for Israel, can and must not be indifferent to this.

In my talks I will therefore focus on three messages:

1. At Israel’s side, Germany will continue to advocate that Hamas finally sets free the hostages, which include German nationals, is disarmed and no longer exerts political influence in the Palestinian territories. It must never again pose a threat to Israel.
2. At the same time, Israel must take immediate, comprehensive and durable measures to remedy the disastrous situation in the Gaza Strip. Germany remains prepared to do everything in its power to help alleviate the suffering. Given the extremely dramatic situation, the dropping of relief supplies from the air, an operation in which Germany will take part in the coming days, is one way of ensuring that the urgently needed supplies reach those in need quickly. Moreover, we continue to work flat out to restore the established humanitarian land routes, which airdrops cannot replace. Relief goods can only reach people in sufficient volumes by road. I therefore urge the Israeli Government to allow the UN and international relief organisations safe access, and above all, to ensure safe and effective distribution.
3. Germany is convinced that in order to resolve the conflict permanently, a negotiated two-state solution is the only way to enable people on both sides to live in peace, security and dignity. Germany regards recognition of a Palestinian state as a step more at the end of the process. However, such a process must now begin. Germany will not deviate from this goal. And Germany will be forced to react to any unilateral steps.”