Merz: “The war in Gaza is over”
Federal Chancellor Merz describes 13 October as a day of historic importance. He hopes that the ceasefire in Gaza will also be a signal for Ukraine.
Berlin (dpa) – Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz referred to the first steps of the peace process between Israel and the Islamist organisation Hamas as being of historic importance. “13 October 2025 will be an important day in the history books – for this region, but also for the whole world. The war in Gaza is over,” said the Federal Chancellor in Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt, where a ceremony was held to seal the ceasefire deal following two years of war. He stated that the deal had succeeded in “ending the conflict, at least for today”.
Mr Merz expressed his relief about the release of 20 living hostages by Hamas, including four German citizens.
He said that he hoped that this marked the start of a phase of peace, good cooperation and lasting stability in the region, adding that Germany was willing to contribute through humanitarian aid and support for reconstruction work.
Mr Merz thanked all those who acted as mediators in the conflict, and US President Donald Trump in particular. The Federal Chancellor said that he hoped that Trump would now go on to use his influence on Russia’s President Vladimir Putin to bring the war of aggression against Ukraine to an end. “From this place, the signal goes out that if the world community stands together, it is possible. But this must not be limited to this place.”