RAMALLAH, August 1, 2025 (WAFA) — President Mahmoud Abbas of the State of Palestine received German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul today at the presidential headquarters in the city of Ramallah.
During the meeting, the President briefed Minister Wadephul on the latest developments across Palestine, particularly the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. He stressed the urgency of addressing Israel’s killing of unarmed Palestinians, the use of starvation as a weapon of war, the ongoing Israeli aggression on the refugee camps in the northern West Bank, and settler attacks on civilians and their property.
The President emphasized that the immediate priority is a permanent and unconditional ceasefire, the rapid entry of humanitarian aid to Gaza to stop the famine, the release of hostages and prisoners, and enabling the State of Palestine to fully assume its responsibilities in Gaza with regional and international support. He also called for a complete Israeli withdrawal, an end to settlement activity and annexation attempts, an end to settler terrorism, and the release of withheld Palestinian funds.
He reaffirmed readiness to hold general elections, noting they would exclude political factions and individuals who do not adhere to the program and commitments of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), international legitimacy, and the principles of a single state, one legal system, and a unified legitimate weapon.
The President reiterated the importance of implementing the two-state solution based on international resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative, as outlined during the International Peace Conference in New York. He also affirmed that the future Palestinian state, including Gaza, would be demilitarized.
President Abbas expressed appreciation for Minister Wadephul’s public support for the two-state solution and for building Palestinian state institutions. He also thanked Germany for its humanitarian aid to Gaza and UNRWA, its role in supporting Palestinian institutional development and reform programs, and its stance in favor of a ceasefire, humanitarian access, and preventing displacement.
Minister Wadephul reaffirmed that the State of Palestine must assume responsibility for governing Gaza following the war, as it is the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people. He said it was vital that the State of Palestine play a leading role in the reconstruction of Gaza and confirmed Germany’s readiness to provide support for that effort.
He also reiterated Germany’s rejection of the continuation of Israeli settlement construction and annexation policies, underlining the importance of peaceful solutions that foster security and long-term stability.
Wadephul called on Israel to release the Palestinian tax revenues it is withholding, stating that these funds are the rightful property of the Palestinian people and that their continued seizure poses a serious threat to regional stability.
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