Overview

• Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul concluded a two-day visit to Israel and the West Bank by pressing for a durable ceasefire, the release of hostages and unhindered UN and aid-agency access to Gaza.
• Berlin has so far refrained from imposing sanctions on Israel but cautioned that continued obstruction of humanitarian relief could lead to German-led isolation measures.
• UN statistics cited in German reports indicate fewer than half of UN-organized aid convoys into Gaza receive Israeli army approval, and one in four of those green-lit are later blocked or delayed.
• Over 200 German celebrities and major humanitarian organizations have publicly demanded Chancellor Merz halt arms deliveries to Israel and consider stronger diplomatic measures.
• Separately, Kripo Viersen and ZDF’s Aktenzeichen XY released a composite sketch of a 35–50-year-old suspect in the 2023 Nettetal cyclist assault, appealing for public tips to advance the ongoing investigation.