(MENAFN) German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on Monday called on both Israeli and Hamas negotiators to act quickly in finalizing a ceasefire for Gaza, emphasizing that there is strong international backing for the recent peace proposal put forward by the United States.

During a press briefing in Tel Aviv after his talks with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, Wadephul stressed that Israel must be prepared to make certain compromises to ensure the release of hostages, while noting that the American plan includes security guarantees for Israel.

"We are now in the first phase of the US plan, which aims for a ceasefire, the release of hostages, the release of Palestinian prisoners, and restraint in military operations," he said. He added that this step would also allow for a more consistent flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

“We must complete this first phase this week, or at the latest by the beginning of next week. This is feasible, and it must be our goal. After that, we should address all other issues, and these other issues will also take a certain amount of time,” he continued.

According to reports, the German foreign minister reaffirmed Berlin’s readiness to provide financial assistance for Gaza’s reconstruction and to deploy personnel to help execute the ceasefire framework. Wadephul also mentioned that Germany is open to co-hosting a reconstruction conference with Egypt.

Before arriving in Israel, Wadephul visited Qatar and Kuwait over the weekend as part of his regional efforts to push the peace process forward. He is expected to travel to Egypt on Tuesday for further discussions with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Aaty.

His diplomatic tour comes as indirect talks between Israel and Hamas begin in Cairo, with mediation efforts being jointly coordinated by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on Monday called on both Israeli and Hamas negotiators to act quickly in finalizing a ceasefire for Gaza, emphasizing that there is strong international backing for the recent peace proposal put forward by the United States.

During a press briefing in Tel Aviv after his talks with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, Wadephul stressed that Israel must be prepared to make certain compromises to ensure the release of hostages, while noting that the American plan includes security guarantees for Israel.

"We are now in the first phase of the US plan, which aims for a ceasefire, the release of hostages, the release of Palestinian prisoners, and restraint in military operations," he said. He added that this step would also allow for a more consistent flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

“We must complete this first phase this week, or at the latest by the beginning of next week. This is feasible, and it must be our goal. After that, we should address all other issues, and these other issues will also take a certain amount of time,” he continued.

According to reports, the German foreign minister reaffirmed Berlin’s readiness to provide financial assistance for Gaza’s reconstruction and to deploy personnel to help execute the ceasefire framework. Wadephul also mentioned that Germany is open to co-hosting a reconstruction conference with Egypt.

Before arriving in Israel, Wadephul visited Qatar and Kuwait over the weekend as part of his regional efforts to push the peace process forward. He is expected to travel to Egypt on Tuesday for further discussions with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Aaty.

His diplomatic tour comes as indirect talks between Israel and Hamas begin in Cairo, with mediation efforts being jointly coordinated by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt.

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