Berlin (dpa) – EPP leader Manfred Weber views the recent Gaza agreement between Israel and Hamas as a significant preliminary move towards halting the ongoing violence. “Today is primarily a day of celebration because we have an opportunity for a ceasefire,” stated the Bavarian Christian Social Union (CSU) politician during a retreat for top officials of the European People’s Party (EPP) in Berlin. He was responding to inquiries about the EU’s potential role in monitoring a ceasefire.
Weber emphasized the importance of carefully considering who can best contribute to maintaining stability in future discussions, involving both Israeli and Palestinian partners.
CDU Chancellor Candidate Merz: Peace Must Not Overlook Ukrainians
The leader of the German Christian Democrats (CDU) and chancellor candidate, Friedrich Merz, expressed hope that the newly agreed ceasefire will remain in place. “We all wish for this ceasefire to hold true. Other questions can wait for now,” he remarked, alluding to the potential for EU involvement in monitoring a ceasefire in Ukraine, where Russia continues its aggression. The situation remains highly critical.
Merz added, “The priority must be to achieve peace in Ukraine as swiftly as possible.” However, he stressed that this peace must not be negotiated without the Ukrainians’ input, “by anyone,” he warned. The newly inaugurated U.S. President Donald Trump has stated his commitment to ending the war as quickly as possible. (January 18)
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