The conflict in Gaza cannot be resolved by military means and a political solution must be found to permanently end the war, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said in Jerusalem today.
“I do not believe that this conflict can be permanently resolved by military means,” Wadephul said, according to Reuters.
“However, it is urgently necessary for Hamas to disarm and for it to no longer have military control over Gaza,” he said.
He said Germany would do everything necessary to guarantee Israel’s security, but that did not mean his country could not criticize Israel’s actions, adding that this “must not lead to anti-Semitism.”
“I am not sure whether all of Israel’s strategic goals can be achieved in this way (through a military campaign) and whether it will serve Israel’s security in the long term,” Wadephul said.
He therefore appealed “for a return to serious ceasefire negotiations.”
Wadephul reiterated that the return of the hostages was a priority for the German government. He also stated that it was clear that Gaza was part of Palestinian territory.
“We need a political solution to rebuild Gaza without Hamas,” Wadephul said.
