“Europe holds significant importance — both the United Kingdom and France are permanent members of the U.N. Security Council, and they play crucial roles. The European Union is also of great significance,” Wadephul stated, highlighting Germany’s active involvement as well.
“I recently spoke with the Qatari foreign minister and prime minister — the main contact with Hamas … Tonight, I’m heading to Cairo to meet the Egyptian foreign minister,” he mentioned. “I am fulfilling the duties of a foreign minister: fostering understanding, sharing positions, aiding in mediation, and building connections. Whether this ultimately leads to success remains to be seen — but it’s my obligation to keep trying.”
Recalling the aftermath of the October 7 attacks, which resulted in around 1,200 deaths two years ago, Wadephul noted he had cautioned colleagues that Israel’s response might eventually test Western support: “Eventually, people would start commenting, ‘Israel is taking it too far.’”
He expressed dissatisfaction with Germany’s solidarity demonstrations, which he attended following the lethal attack, observing that “empathy wasn’t as prevalent or strong as I had anticipated” and pointing to a “certain alienation” related to Israel’s settlement actions.
“Many attended, indeed — but not enough to fill the entire Straße des 17. Juni up to the Victory Column. That’s how it should have been — but it wasn’t,” he stated. “That deep empathy, that solidarity wasn’t as widespread or strong as I had hoped.”
Addressing the rise in antisemitism reported across Europe over the past two years, Wadephul said: “Naturally, antisemitism still exists. Some use it for political gain. And yes — although I don’t say this to justify anything — occasionally, imprudent policies by Israeli governments have contributed to this climate too.”
He clarified that this is not his personal view: “That’s how some individuals perceive it. I interact with citizens — being a directly elected MP — and I observe how criticism of Israel often intertwines with antisemitic sentiments. That’s erroneous, but it occurs. We must acknowledge this before we can address it.”
He also criticized Israel’s Gaza blockade earlier this year while reaffirming Berlin’s commitment to Israel’s security: “Israel remains our most significant security ally in the Middle East — and always will be.”
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