German Chancellor Merz backs US peace plan in call with Abbas

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz voiced strong backing for the US-sponsored peace plan for Gaza during a detailed phone conversation with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Saturday. According to a German government statement, Merz "underlined his support for US President Donald Trump’s peace plan" and welcomed the Palestinian Authority's cooperative approach to the proposal ahead of his upcoming visit to Jordan and Israel.

Call for Palestinian Reforms and Post-War Role

The chancellor emphasized that the Palestinian Authority must urgently implement long-needed internal reforms to secure a constructive role in Gaza's post-war governance. Government spokesman Stefan Kornelius stated that Merz believes if these reforms are achieved, the Authority "can play a constructive role in the post-war order." This condition reflects European and US expectations for a revitalized Palestinian leadership as part of any lasting settlement.

Reiteration of the Two-State Solution

Merz reaffirmed that a negotiated two-state solution remains the ultimate objective for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He stressed that such a framework could pave the way for "lasting peace and security" for both peoples, aligning Germany's longstanding diplomatic position with the current US-mediated efforts, despite differences in tone and methodology between Berlin and Washington.

Diplomatic Context and Regional Tour

The call serves as diplomatic groundwork for Merz's regional tour, which includes stops in Jordan and Israel on Saturday and Sunday. The discussions underscore Germany's attempt to balance its traditional support for a two-state solution with endorsement of the Trump administration's active mediation, while also pressing for Palestinian institutional readiness—a key concern for European partners investing in the peace process.