Germany wants to organise an international conference with Egypt for the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Friday, as Israel and Hamas edge closer to ending hostilities.
The main goal of this conference “should be to address the most urgent needs, such as rebuilding water and energy supplies and medical care,” Merz said in a statement.
On Friday Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said the government had “approved the framework” of a hostage release deal with Hamas.
Merz said the deal must be “implemented swiftly” and that “the hostages, including German nationals, must finally return to their families”.
“Humanitarian aid must quickly reach the people in Gaza,” he added.
Forty-seven hostages are still being held in Gaza, 25 of whom the Israeli army says are dead.
Merz said Germany will provide an additional 29 million euros ($33.6 million) in humanitarian aid and will also help in “supporting the medical and psychological care of the released hostages.”
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