Brussels, 10 October 2025
The EU welcomes the agreement on the first phase of the Comprehensive Plan to end the Gaza Conflict put forward by President Trump to secure an immediate ceasefire and the release of all hostages. We note that all sides agree, including the government of Israel. We call on all parties to fully implement the agreement without delay, allowing for the establishment of a lasting ceasefire, the release of the hostages, and the unimpeded access and sustained distribution of humanitarian assistance at scale into and throughout Gaza.
The EU commends the diplomatic efforts led by the US and supported, among others, by Egypt, Jordan, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Türkiye and the United Arab Emirates in negotiating this breakthrough, which we have consistently supported. This is a real chance to end the devastating war and the human suffering, and to forge a credible political path towards lasting peace and security, based on thetwo-state solution, recalling also the High-Level Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution in New York co-led by France and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The EU stands ready to contribute to the implementation of the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict through the variety of the tools at its disposal, based on the EU’s longstanding engagement and substantial support for peace in the region. The EU will continue to support the rapid, safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid, working closely with the UN agencies and international NGOs, and in accordance with international law. The EU stands ready to contribute to Gaza’s stabilisation and reconstruction, including the full use of the EU’s CSDP missions EUBAM Rafah and EUPOL COPPS.The EU will continue to support the Palestinian Authority, including in its ongoing reform, and in view of its return to Gaza, and also through the Palestine Donor Group.
Source – EU Council
Statement by President von der Leyen on the announcement of an agreement on a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages
Brussels, 9 October 2025
I welcome the announcement of an agreement to secure a ceasefire and the release of hostages in Gaza, based on the proposal put forward by President Trump.
I commend the diplomatic efforts of the United States, Qatar, Egypt, and Türkiye in achieving this breakthrough. I am also encouraged by the support of the Government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority.
Now, all parties must fully uphold the terms of the agreement. All hostages must be released safely. A permanent ceasefire must be established. The suffering must end.
The EU will continue to support the swift and safe delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza. And when the time comes, we will be ready to help with recovery and reconstruction.
Today’s opportunity should be seized.
It’s the opportunity to forge a credible political path toward lasting peace and security. A path firmly anchored in the two-state solution.
Source – EU Commission
The leaders of France, Germany and the United Kingdom spoke today following the significant developments in the Middle East:
We welcome the agreement on a ceasefire in the Middle East, the planned release of hostages, and the resumption of humanitarian aid to the civilian population of Gaza.
We pay tribute to President Trump’s leadership on the issue, to the diplomatic efforts of the mediators, Egypt, Qatar and Türkiye, and to the vital support from the wider region to secure the agreement. It is now of utmost importance that all parties implement their obligations in full and without delay. We stand ready to support further talks on the next stages of the plan and to contribute to it.
As part of this effort, we agree that the UN Security Council should give its full backing to the plan and support its implementation.
We commit to supporting substantive humanitarian aid packages through UN agencies to be delivered as soon as the ceasefire enters into effect.
Regarding Iran, we agree that it was right that the snapback mechanism had been triggered. Iran’s nuclear program poses a serious threat to global peace and security. We are determined to reinitiate negotiations with Iran and the United States towards a comprehensive, durable and verifiable agreement that ensures Iran never acquires a nuclear weapon. We call on all UN member states to abide by the restrictions reapplied by the snapback mechanism.
On Ukraine, we condemn Russia’s escalatory attacks in Ukraine and systematic targeting of critical national infrastructure that remains vital to provide light and heat to Ukrainian civilians through the winter.
We will increase pressure on Russia as President Putin continues his stalling tactics and abhorrent attacks in response to peace talks.
To that end, we are ready to progress towards using, in a coordinated way, the value of the immobilised Russian sovereign assets to support Ukraine’s armed forces and thus bring Russia to the negotiation table. We aim to do this in close cooperation with the United States of America.
We agree to develop further bold and innovative mechanisms to increase the cost of Russia’s war and ramp up pressure. This includes driving forward action on the Russian shadow fleet.
Our countries will remain steadfast in their support for Ukraine, including through the Coalition of the Willing.
Source – E3 leaders via Federal Government of Germany
Statement by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on the ceasefire in Gaza
Berlin, 10 October 2025
“After more than two years of war in Gaza, it has now been possible to agree on a ceasefire. This is good news for the people in the Middle East and far beyond.
I thank President Trump for his peace initiative. I also thank our partners in Qatar, Egypt and Türkiye for their mediation. Thanks are also due to the Israeli government, which has cleared the way for peace.
Now we need swift implementation. The hostages, including German nationals, must finally be reunited with their families. The ceasefire must take effect and stabilise over the coming weeks. Humanitarian aid must reach the people in Gaza without delay.
If these first important steps toward peace succeed, it will be a great achievement. We must then build on this. We need to clarify how Gaza can be secured and governed on a lasting basis. The disarmament and withdrawal of Hamas must be organised. And we must ensure the humanitarian care of the civilian population and the reconstruction of Gaza.
To this end, Foreign Minister Wadephul and I are in close contact with our partners. Germany will continue to contribute to ensure the path to peace succeeds:
First, we stand ready in the coming days to provide medical and psychological support to the released hostages.
Second, the Federal Government will immediately make available an additional €29 million in humanitarian aid. Further measures will follow.
Third, together with Egypt, we will invite to an international reconstruction conference for Gaza. The focus will be on the most urgent needs, such as the restoration of water and energy supply and medical care.
Fourth, we are prepared to assume responsibility within the Peace Council proposed by President Trump.
A part of the peace plan is that Palestinians will in future be able to administer the Gaza Strip themselves. Therefore, fifth, we want to help promote the urgently needed reform process within the Palestinian Authority.
Sixth, the Federal Government will advocate strengthening the European Union missions EUBAM Rafah, which supports border management, and EUPOL COPPS, which assists the Palestinian Civil Police and judiciary.
Seventh, a lasting peace will need to be secured by an international stabilisation mission recognised by all parties. For Germany, military participation is not under consideration. But we want to help create the legal framework for such a presence, for instance through a resolution of the UN Security Council.
Finally, the Federal Government will review its export licensing policy for armaments that could be used in Gaza in light of developments on the ground.
In doing so, the Federal Government follows a clear compass: Germany stands for the existence and security of Israel. That belongs to the immutable core of our relations. It is an expression of our enduring historical responsibility. The Federal Government is also firmly convinced that the two-state solution offers the best prospect for a future in which Israelis and Palestinians can live together in lasting peace and security.”
Disclaimer: E-translated by ChatGPT, prompted by Insight EU.This English translation is provided for informational purposes only. In the event of any discrepancies or legal interpretations, the original German version shall prevail and is the only legally binding text.
Source: Federal Government of Germany