German Chancellor Friedrich Merz thanked US President Donald Trump and the leaders of Türkiye, Qatar, and Egypt for helping broker the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, saying, “We all owe them a debt of gratitude.” Addressing the Bundestag ahead of the EU summit, Merz called the deal “a new hope for lasting peace” and urged Europe to play a stronger global role.
Merz also warned of Russian drone threats and hybrid attacks in Europe, stressing that Germany would strengthen cybersecurity and air defenses. He reaffirmed Berlin’s support for Ukraine, saying, “We support Ukraine to end the war, not prolong it.”