Gaza needs a ‘security architecture’ after ceasefire, German foreign minister says

BERLIN

Gaza needs a "security architecture" after the ceasefire and the EU can provide stronger support for implementing the plan, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said on Thursday.

Speaking to reporters in Brussels ahead of an EU foreign ministers meeting, Wadephul said they would discuss the situation in the Middle East and the EU's contribution to the Gaza peace plan, among other international topics.

"We need a security architecture for the Gaza Strip that includes an international stabilization force and Palestinian police officers, both now legitimized by the recently adopted UN Security Council resolution," he added.

The foreign minister reiterated Germany's strong support for US President Donald Trump's Gaza ceasefire plan, noting that it long advocated for a UN Security Council resolution to strengthen the plan's legal foundation.

“We remain ready to provide practical support. This means that the existing EU missions can be activated and strengthened,” he said, referring to the EU’s police and border-security missions in the region. “We also need close cooperation with Israel. I have discussed this with my Israeli counterpart on several occasions. And I hope that an agreement can be reached quickly,” he added.

Wadephul said neighboring countries could train the new Palestinian police force, with both Jordan and Egypt having already expressed their readiness to do so.