Thank you, Mr. President,

and thank you for convening this timely debate.

After the heinous terrorist attacks by Hamas on October 7 and the subsequent war in the Gaza Strip, the peace plan - put forward by President Trump - finally represents a beacon of hope.

Germany welcomes the ceasefire and the release of the hostages. We call for the return to Israel of the remaining deceased hostages that are still in Gaza.

We express our gratitude to the United States, as well as to Egypt, Qatar, and Türkiye, for their important roles in reaching this agreement. It has to be implemented in full and without delay. The work on Phase Two of the plan has only just begun. Germany stands ready to actively contribute to this endeavor.

Allow me to make three points in this regard.

First,

The suffering of the people in Gaza must end. There must be an immediate and substantial increase in humanitarian assistance. Since October 7, we have provided 436 million dollars in humanitarian aid, making Germany one of the largest bilateral donors. This includes 34 million dollars recently dedicated to supporting the implementation of the agreement.

To do so, there must be unhindered humanitarian access into Gaza, with the UN and its agencies – including UNRWA – playing a central role, as do international humanitarian NGOs, who need to be able to continue their vital work.

In this regard, we have taken note of the Advisory Opinion rendered yesterday by the ICJ, stating Israel’s obligations in relation to the presence and activities of the UN and others in the occupied Palestinian territory.

At the same time, we are working with our partners to give the people of Gaza the opportunity to build a better future.

The stabilization and reconstruction of Gaza will be critical, and we have no time to lose. Therefore, Germany – together with Egypt and other partners – aim to co-convene in the coming weeks a Reconstruction Conference for Gaza.

Second,

Hamas can have no role in Gaza’s future and must never again be a threat to Israel.

Germany will actively support and participate in building a stable governance and security environment for the transition process, including through a role in the Board of Peace.

We have already deployed personnel to the US-led Civil-Military Coordination Center to support the establishment of an international stabilization force.

To give this mission broad legitimacy, a Security Council resolution and the close involvement of regional states will be crucial.

Germany is also ready to contribute to the training of Palestinian security forces, bilaterally and through EU Missions.

Third,

Sustainable peace can only be achieved within the framework of a two-state solution, which realizes the right to self-determination of the Palestinian people.

A strong and reformed Palestinian Authority is essential to making that two-state solution a reality. Germany is the largest bilateral donor to the Palestinian Authority, with an ongoing portfolio exceeding 1 billion dollars, and we will continue to support the PA, including in its reform process.

President,

The adoption of the New York Declaration, endorsed by a broad majority of UN member states, including Germany, has brought new momentum to the two-state solution.

We will work closely with our partners to maintain this momentum, so that Israelis and Palestinians can finally live side by side, in peace, dignity, and security.

I thank you.