German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock on Thursday called the ceasefire deal in Gaza a “major breakthrough,” but warned that further challenges lie ahead.
“Nothing is certain, as the global situation often shows, but this is now a major breakthrough,” Baerbock told broadcaster ARD.
The minister said the deal between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas – which was announced by mediator Qatar late on Wednesday – was the result of 15 months of hard work since the outbreak of the conflict following the October 7 attacks.
The remaining Israeli hostages held by Hamas must be released, Baerbock said, and more humanitarian aid must be allowed to reach Gaza.
“It is now important to implement what we have prepared. And Germany is ready for that,” she said.
European countries can assist with repairing the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and Gaza, the minister argued: “The border crossing is damaged. The EU could provide support for that.”
Baerbock also said that she had been moved by news of the deal on Wednesday evening. “I received such moving news last night. I almost find myself tearing up again,” she said.
