German foreign minister urges Israel and Iran to de-escalate
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on Saturday expressed reservations about German military intervention in the conflict between Israel and Iran, while urging the two parties to de-escalate.
"I am in favour of de-escalating now and finding a way out of further military confrontation," Wadephul said in the Saudi capital Riyadh after talks with his counterpart Faisal bin Farhan.
"A further escalation of the situation would have incalculable consequences. That is why I would like to appeal to everyone: It is, as they often say, not too late," he said.
"This region needs peace and not an escalation of military conflicts."
Germany is working with its Israeli partners to this end, while being clear about its historical obligation towards Israel, he added.
The security and existence of the Israeli state is part of Germany's core values, stressed the minister, who took office in May under the new coalition government of Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
Wadephul's comments followed French President Emmanuel Macron's pledge to provide military support to Israel in the event of retaliatory strikes by Iran, while ruling out any involvement in Israeli offensive actions.
The Gulf states of Saudi Arabia and Oman have strongly condemned Israel's attacks.
Wadephul backs Gaza reconstruction plan
Despite the intensifying clashes between Israel and Iran, the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip must not be overlooked, Wadephul said.
The Arab states' plans for reconstruction and lasting security in the coastal region are worthy of support, according to Wadephul, while the need for a ceasefire in Gaza is "more urgent than ever."
The plan presented by several Arab countries in March envisages Gaza's reconstruction over five years at an estimated cost of around €50 billion ($57 billion).
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