Germany rules out joining Gaza stabilization force

By Oliver Towfigh Nia

BERLIN (AA) - Germany said on Friday it has no plans to join the proposed international Gaza stabilization force to be deployed under a ceasefire agreement agreed upon two months ago.

“We will not be participating in the stabilization forces in the foreseeable future,” Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul told German news agency DPA in Berlin.

Asked whether this also applied to training and organization, he replied: “At this point in time, none of us expects to participate in the international stabilization mission.”

Wadephul did say, however, that his country is prepared to play a constructive role in the structures contained in the UN Security Council resolution, such as a peace council. But, he added, Berlin has not yet received an official invitation to participate in the council.

- Urges rapid start of second phase of peace process

The minister pointed out that as initial consultations with potential troop contributors have taken place, a political framework is now needed, including a security architecture provided by the stabilization forces and Palestinian security forces.

“It would be important to be able to start all this very soon. We must not allow the current division of Gaza into a part controlled by the Israeli army and a part increasingly controlled by Hamas to become permanent,” he said.

The German government is providing extensive humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip and has announced its intention to play a central role in the reconstruction process.

- Lengthy peace process

Wadephul called for patience in implementing the peace plan that includes gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces, disarmament of Hamas and the rebuilding of Gaza.

“Even if we wish for this to be over tomorrow, we must prepare ourselves for the fact that this will remain a lengthy process. At present, we are still a long way from being able to begin the reconstruction process in the Gaza Strip,” he said.

Nevertheless, the foreign minister added, he hoped that the international reconstruction conference planned by Egypt together with Germany and other countries could take place at the beginning of next year.

“But of course we expect the neighboring countries in the Gulf region in particular, some of which have the necessary financial resources, to get involved,” he said.

More humanitarian aid is currently reaching the Gaza Strip – “but not enough,” the minister lamented.

“Overall, however, the situation is not satisfactory” as Internationally recognized aid organizations, including those supported by Germany, urgently need access to Gaza, he said.

- Criticism of new Israeli settlement plans for the West Bank

The minister also criticized Israel’s announcement that it intends to approve 19 new settlements in the occupied West Bank.

The German government rejects the recognition of further settlement outposts. In the long term, Israel and its security would be best served by a two-state solution, Wadephul said, adding that “the expansion of settlements threatens to make this prospect impossible.”