Frankfurt (Germany), 6 October (LaPresse) – "I am optimistic. We are on the right track — it is a process that has been prepared for a long time, also with German assistance. I hope that by next week we will reach an initial agreement — a ceasefire, the release of hostages and humanitarian aid for Gaza. The possibility is there.‘ This was stated by German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul from Tel Aviv, speaking to Bild. Wadephul thanked US President Donald Trump for the political weight he has brought to bear, but warned that ’many details remain to be negotiated." Wadephul urged Hamas to seize the opportunity and release all hostages immediately: ‘If they want what is best for the Palestinians, they must act now.’ On the risk of the agreement failing, he recalled that the United States has guaranteed Israel its full support for any subsequent actions, while Germany is ready to consider ‘other scenarios’ if the plan should fail. ‘Hamas must know that there would be severe consequences,’ he said. On cooperation with Israel, Wadephul stressed that German support is targeted and that ‘Israel supports us in turn.’ He added: ‘We give credit to Israel for defending the country and fighting terrorism, but we must also continue to seek diplomatic solutions.’ Regarding Germany's role in the release of the hostages, Wadephul said that Berlin had followed the issue from the outset and repeatedly urged Tel Aviv not to forget the hostages during military operations. When Israel decided that negotiation was not possible, Germany respected that decision.
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