Trump’s Gaza peace plan best chance to end war, says German chancellor

U.S. President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan is the best opportunity to halt the Israel–Hamas war, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said, as quoted by Politico.

According to Merz, Berlin is ready to help implement a possible peace agreement and support Gaza’s reconstruction.

“After nearly three years of bloodshed, this plan is the best chance to stop the war — at least the best chance so far,” Merz told reporters in Berlin. He stressed that Israel’s support for the plan marks a significant step forward. “Now Hamas must agree and clear the way for peace. This is really the final step needed, and I strongly urge Hamas to accept the plan.”

His comments came after U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced at the White House on Monday that they had reached a preliminary agreement on Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace plan.

The proposal calls on Hamas to disarm, release all hostages within 72 hours, and relinquish power. In exchange, Israeli forces would withdraw and release prisoners and detainees. Hamas has not yet agreed to the plan.

Merz reiterated that Germany is ready to assist in carrying out the peace plan and in rebuilding Gaza, should an agreement be reached.

“We see this as work toward a Middle East where Israelis and Palestinians can one day live peacefully and securely in two states,” Merz concluded.