Germany backs mediation efforts of Türkiye, Egypt, Qatar in Gaza conflict

By Oliver Towfigh Nia

BERLIN (AA) - German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Thursday supported mediation efforts of Türkiye, Egypt and Qatar in the conflict between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas.

“All three can play an important role in mediating and de-escalating the current situation,” Scholz said in a government statement to parliament, following the escalation of war between Hamas and Israel.

The chancellor also said that he was in close contact with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who he said has good communication channels with Gaza.

He added he would also talk with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan later in the day.

Scholz defended his planned meeting with the Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani scheduled for noon.

Qatar has an important role as a mediator, Scholz said.

The German leader went on to say that he would tell critics of such contacts that “it would be irresponsible not to use all the contacts that can help in this dramatic situation. We are doing this in close coordination with Israel and for those who were kidnapped by Hamas.”

The main opposition Christian Democratic Union has criticized the scheduled meeting between Scholz and the Qatari emir.

Meanwhile, the chancellor said that he will also receive the Jordanian King Abdullah II next week, who according to Scholz, plays a special role in Israeli-Palestinian relations.