Germany rules out role in Gaza stabilisation force, FM says

Germany will not take part in a proposed international stabilisation force for Gaza, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has said, as he urged a swift launch of the next phase of the ceasefire plan for the enclave.

Around two and a half months after a fragile ceasefire took hold in Gaza, Wadephul said such a force would be expected not only to mediate but also to actively provide security — a role Berlin is unwilling to assume, Caliber.Az reports per German media.

“Participation by German soldiers in this specific region is something many people cannot imagine,” the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) politician said. “We will not be involved in the stabilisation forces in the foreseeable future.”

Asked whether this also ruled out involvement in training or organisational support, Wadephul replied that no international partners currently expect Germany to contribute to the mission. He added that Berlin remains willing to engage constructively in political structures envisaged by a UN Security Council resolution, including a possible peace council, although Germany has yet to receive a formal invitation to join.

The second phase of US President Donald Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace plan calls for the disarmament of Hamas and the deployment of an international stabilisation force. Hamas has repeatedly rejected any move to surrender its weapons.

Wadephul said initial consultations with potential troop-contributing countries had taken place but stressed that a clear political framework and security architecture were now urgently needed. He warned against a lasting division of Gaza between areas controlled by the Israeli military and zones where Hamas could reassert influence.

“It is important that we begin very soon,” he said, cautioning that failure to act could entrench the current fragmentation of the territory.

The foreign minister said Germany would seek to play a mediating role while ensuring Israel’s security, citing Berlin’s historical responsibility towards the Jewish state. He noted that Germany is providing substantial humanitarian aid to Gaza and has pledged to play a key role in future reconstruction efforts.

He expressed hope that an international reconstruction conference, planned by Egypt with Germany and other partners, could take place early next year, while calling on wealthy Gulf states to contribute financially.

Wadephul also criticised Israel’s announcement that it intends to approve 19 new settlements in the occupied West Bank, warning that settlement expansion undermines the prospect of a two-state solution — which he described as the best long-term guarantee of Israel’s security.

By Aghakazim Guliyev