BERLIN – Germany’s new Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul departed for Israel on Saturday for a high-stakes Middle East visit during which he said “critical discussions” are expected. Speaking before his departure from Berlin, Wadephul emphasized the value of open dialogue in democratic societies, including between allies, and condemned the October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas “in the strongest terms,” while calling for the immediate release of all hostages.
The Hamas-led assault last October killed approximately 1,200 people and led to 251 hostages being taken into Gaza, according to Israeli figures. In response, Israel launched a sustained military campaign in Gaza that has since killed over 52,000 people, the majority of them civilians, according to health authorities in the Hamas-run enclave.
Wadephul stated he would seek clarity on Israel’s “strategic objective” as the fighting, particularly intense since March, continues. The German minister is scheduled to meet with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He will also visit the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial and engage with families of hostages still held by Hamas.
Wadephul will also travel to Ramallah, where he will meet with Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Mohammed Mustafa, as part of Germany’s continued diplomatic engagement with both Israeli and Palestinian leadership.