With a sense of relief, the German government is closely following the latest developments toward peace in the Middle East. The presence of Chancellor Friedrich Merz and senior cabinet members at today’s summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt — Monday, October 13 — underscores Berlin’s commitment. The meeting comes immediately after the implementation of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
“Germany wants to contribute to the implementation of the peace plan, to maintaining the ceasefire, and to providing humanitarian assistance,” Chancellor Merz said ahead of his urgent trip to Egypt. He is attending the signing of the Gaza peace agreement, brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump, with the participation of twenty nations, including Greece and Cyprus.
Yet diplomatic circles in Berlin remain cautiously optimistic. Many believe the true test of what some are calling “Trump’s peace” will come over time — in whether the ceasefire can hold and tangible progress can be made on the ground.
Germany and the Reconstruction of Gaza
According to the German Foreign Ministry, preparations are already underway for a German-Egyptian Conference on the Reconstruction of Gaza, expected to take place within the next few weeks.
As reported by Deutsche Welle, citing remarks from German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul earlier this week, Berlin envisions a broader conference — one that not only addresses humanitarian and rebuilding efforts but also outlines a political framework for Gaza. This framework, officials emphasize, should take into account the long-term goal of a two-state solution.
“We need a legal framework for everything currently happening in the Gaza Strip,” Minister Wadephul stated. Germany believes Israel must be part of this process — a lesson learned from last week’s Paris meeting, where Israeli representatives were notably absent.
According to DW, both the Christian Union and the Social Democrats have agreed on a unified approach for “the day after” in Gaza.
Adis Ahmetovic, the Social Democrats’ foreign affairs spokesperson in the Bundestag, went a step further, suggesting that Germany could play a hands-on role in rebuilding efforts. “Germany could help with the construction of temporary shelters, the removal of rubble, and the restoration of water and sewage systems,” he said.
