Wadephul said meeting with his Egyptian counterpart comes at a critical moment for regional security, peace, and stability, given the escalating tensions between Israel and Iran.

He expressed deep concern over the latest developments, citing Israeli airstrikes on Iranian targets and Iran’s large-scale drone attacks on Israel, which he described as "highly alarming."

Wadephul reiterated Germany’s long-standing concern about Iran’s nuclear program, calling it a regional threat, especially to Israel.

He emphasized the urgent need for all parties to avoid further escalation, noting that Germany is committed to diplomatic efforts to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, and is closely monitoring the situation.

The German top diplomat expressed appreciation for Egypt’s mediation efforts, alongside Qatar and the United States, to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

“The sooner a ceasefire is reached, the sooner we can alleviate the suffering in Gaza. The humanitarian situation is catastrophic, unacceptable, and cannot continue,” he added.

On the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Wadephul reaffirmed Germany’s support for the two-state solution as the only viable path to ensuring dignity and peace for Palestinians, as well as long-term security for Israel.

He underlined that Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem are integral parts of a future Palestinian state and rejected any forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza, asserting that “There can be no permanent Israeli occupation of Gaza.”

He also criticized ongoing Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank, reiterating Germany’s position that a sovereign, legitimate Palestinian Authority must be empowered to govern these territories.

Wadephul emphasized Germany’s close coordination with Egypt and a shared vision for restoring peace and stability in the region. (MENA)

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