Germany says NO to the Gaza troops: Peace without soldiers!

Germany says NO to the Gaza troops: Peace without soldiers!

On December 26, 2025, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul made it clear that Germany would not participate in an international stabilization force (ISF) to implement the controversial Gaza peace plan. Wadephul said in a statement that the force must not only play the role of a mediator but also actively provide security. “Many people cannot imagine that German soldiers would be active in this conflict-ridden region,” said the minister. Germany is unlikely to take part in the international stabilization mission, even in the training and organizational phase, and has not yet received an official invitation to participate, reports radiobielefeld.de.

The background to this decision goes back to the 20-point peace plan presented by US President Donald Trump, which envisages the demilitarization of the Gaza Strip and the disarmament of Hamas. However, Hamas categorically rejects such disarmament. Wadephul calls for a rapid start to the second phase of the peace plan, as he sees a permanent division of Gaza as problematic. In his argument, he also emphasizes Germany's special responsibility for Israel due to the historical Shoah.

International context

The time frame for establishing the international stabilization force, which will consist of around 20,000 soldiers, could be specified within the next few weeks. The US government aims to submit the plans to the UN Security Council for a vote soon. The force's central tasks should include protecting civilians, supporting humanitarian aid and securing borders. A two-year interim administration is also planned zeit.de reported.

Wadephul emphasizes that despite Germany's commitment in the form of extensive humanitarian aid and the willingness to play a central role in the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, the implementation of the peace plan will be a lengthy process. “Humanitarian aid has increased, but access remains inadequate,” he continued.

The role of neighbors

An international reconstruction conference planned by Egypt, Germany and other countries could take place as early as the beginning of the year. Germany also expects the commitment of neighboring Gulf states, which should provide financial resources for the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip. Wadephul also criticized the approval of 19 new Israeli settlements in the West Bank and reiterated the federal government's opposition to further settlement outposts. He sees the two-state solution as the best solution for Israel's security.

Overall, the situation remains tense and hopes of an early resolution of the conflict are in jeopardy. The Middle East peace process is a complex web of historical tensions and contemporary challenges. If you look at diplomacy in the region, it quickly becomes clear that the path to a lasting solution depends on many political and social factors. Realpolitik developments, including the increase in Israeli settlements and political divisions within the Palestinian leadership, are making peaceful solutions extremely difficult, reported Wikipedia.