German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said on Monday that the first phase of U.S. President Donald Trump's plans to halt the war in Gaza must be achieved by the start of next week at the latest but added that all the other issues would need time.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, Agencja Wyborcza.pl/Dawid Zuchowicz/via Reuters
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said on Monday that the first phase of U.S. President Donald Trump's plans to halt the war in Gaza must be achieved by the start of next week at the latest but added that all the other issues would need time.
The first phase aims at a ceasefire, release of hostages and prisoners, restraint in the military conflict and bringing in supplies to Gaza - all of which are feasible, said Wadephul.
"All other issues are very complicated and, indeed, that is why they also need time," said Wadephul at a press conference in Tel Aviv.
"We must not abandon all diplomatic efforts, but I would like to focus now on taking this first decisive step together."
Reporting by Miranda Murray and Alexander Cornwall
Delegations from Israel and Hamas began indirect negotiations in Egypt on Monday that the U.S. hopes will bring a halt to the war in Gaza, facing contentious issues such as demands that Israel pull out of the enclave and Hamas to disarm.
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Nine Swiss activists from the self-styled “Gaza humanitarian flotilla” returned home Sunday to Geneva — not with humility or gratitude for their safe release, but with a fresh set of accusations against Israel.
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