German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul embarked on a trip to Israel on Saturday, stating that “critical discussions” are expected during his Middle East visit.
Speaking before his departure from Berlin, Wadephul emphasized the importance of open dialogue, saying, “In both of our democracies, critical discussions about the policies of one’s own government and friendly nations are part of this.”
Wadephul reiterated Germany’s condemnation of Hamas’ attacks “in the strongest terms” and called for the immediate release of all hostages.
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The Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people in Israel, with 251 individuals taken hostage to Gaza, according to Israeli figures. The subsequent Israeli military campaign has killed over 52,000 Palestinians, predominantly civilians, according to health authorities in Hamas-controlled Gaza.
“I will ask about the strategic objective of the fighting, which has intensified again since March,” Wadephul stated, signaling Germany’s concerns about the ongoing conflict.
During his visit, Wadephul is scheduled to meet with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to a Foreign Office spokesperson. He will also visit the Yad Vashem memorial and engage with relatives of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.
In Ramallah, Wadephul will meet with the Prime Minister of the Palestinian Authority, Mohammed Mustafa, to discuss the situation in the Palestinian territories.
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