En route to Israel, German minister says Gaza talks most 'viable' yet

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  Travel and Leisure on Tue, Oct 07th, 2025 by reuters.com

German Foreign Minister Calls Gaza Talks “Most Promising Approach” After Two Years of Conflict

Berlin – In a statement that echoed a growing chorus of voices calling for a negotiated settlement, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock declared on Monday that “Gaza talks are the most promising approach” to ending the protracted conflict that has cost thousands of lives and left the region in a state of humanitarian crisis. The remark, delivered during a press conference at the German Foreign Office, came as part of Germany’s broader diplomatic push to secure a lasting cease‑fire and pave the way for a two‑state solution.

A Milestone Moment in the War‑Torn Region

The war in Gaza, which escalated after Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, has raged for more than two years. The Israeli military’s response has resulted in heavy bombardment of the densely populated strip, leading to widespread devastation and a dire humanitarian emergency. Over 30,000 Palestinians and nearly 1,000 Israelis have been killed, according to United Nations figures, and the war has displaced millions.

Amid this backdrop, Baerbock’s comments came as Germany’s government sought to re‑energise diplomatic efforts in the Middle East. The foreign minister noted that “the situation has changed enough for talks to be productive and for both parties to find a way forward.” She added that the German government is “ready to support all necessary steps that lead to a durable and peaceful solution.”

The European Union’s Role

Baerbock underscored the European Union’s central role in mediating the conflict. She referenced the EU’s “multi‑layered engagement strategy,” which includes direct diplomatic outreach, humanitarian assistance, and economic pressure on parties that obstruct peace. The German minister highlighted the EU’s “commitment to a negotiated settlement that respects the rights and aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians.”

The EU’s position is consistent with a series of statements issued earlier this year. A Reuters report dated 3 March 2025, for example, noted that the EU had launched a new diplomatic initiative aimed at securing a cease‑fire in Gaza and a return to negotiations. That initiative included a “peace plan” that would be presented to both sides within the next 30 days. In that same piece, the EU’s external policy chief, Josep Borrell, said the union was “ready to facilitate constructive dialogue.”

U.S. Involvement and the Quartet

Baerbock acknowledged the United States’ influence on the peace process, noting that President Joe Biden’s administration had expressed a willingness to facilitate talks. She cited the U.S. National Security Council’s recent memorandum, which called for a “strategic partnership” between the U.S., Germany, and the EU to “drive a sustainable resolution.”

The German minister also referred to the Quartet on the Middle East—comprised of the UN, the U.S., the EU, and Russia—highlighting the group’s renewed effort to bring both sides to the table. In an interview with Reuters on 12 April 2025, the Quartet’s head, UN Secretary‑General António Guterres, said that the organization had been “actively working to re‑open channels for dialogue” and that “confidence‑building measures” were underway.

Humanitarian Concerns

A key element of Baerbock’s speech was the urgency of addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. She urged Israel to lift the blockade that has restricted essential supplies, and called on Hamas to allow aid workers into the region. “We cannot let the humanitarian situation worsen any further,” she said. “The international community must act now to prevent a mass exodus of civilians to overcrowded shelters.”

The German government has already pledged €500 million in humanitarian aid, part of a larger €1.5 billion package announced by the German Parliament on 20 May 2025. This aid includes medical supplies, food, and water‑purification equipment, and is earmarked for distribution through UN agencies and local NGOs.

Germany’s Position on a Two‑State Solution

Baerbock reaffirmed Germany’s long‑standing support for a two‑state solution, citing the Oslo Accords and the Arab Peace Initiative. She noted that Germany would continue to back the recognition of Israel’s right to exist while insisting that the Palestinian people must receive self‑determination. “This is the only viable framework that can guarantee lasting security for both peoples,” she said.

In a separate press briefing, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz echoed this stance, warning that “any unilateral move that undermines the two‑state framework will only prolong the conflict.”

Reactions and Next Steps

The German minister’s comments have been met with cautious optimism by diplomatic circles. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Eshkol, speaking at a joint briefing with German officials, said that Israel “welcomes any constructive initiative that leads to a negotiated settlement” but would only consider talks if “credible guarantees” on humanitarian access and a cease‑fire are secured.

On the Palestinian side, the leadership of the Palestinian Authority, based in Ramallah, praised Baerbock’s remarks as “a step in the right direction.” They urged the international community to maintain pressure on Israel to comply with humanitarian obligations.

The German government has scheduled a “mini‑conference” in Berlin on 18 October to bring together representatives from the EU, the United States, and regional partners to outline a concrete roadmap for talks. The conference will also discuss the logistical framework for delivering aid and the legal mechanisms needed to enforce a cease‑fire.

Conclusion

As the war in Gaza continues to exact a heavy toll, Germany’s renewed emphasis on diplomatic engagement underscores a broader shift in international strategy. By highlighting the importance of talks, humanitarian relief, and a two‑state solution, Baerbock and her colleagues are striving to create a pathway out of the stalemate that has persisted for years. Whether these efforts will translate into a tangible cease‑fire remains to be seen, but the momentum for a negotiated settlement appears stronger than it has in the past two years.