Germany and its international partners have been considering how to help with the reconstruction of Gaza for some time. What is now being proposed—and what isn't? An overview.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz has announced comprehensive German assistance in implementing the Gaza Plan. However, Bundeswehr soldiers will not be deployed. In a statement, the Chancellor listed seven points for support and also indicated a review of the recently restricted military aid to Israel in connection with the Gaza War.

Immediate humanitarian aid announced

The aid package includes, among other things, immediate humanitarian aid of €29 million to assist the Palestinian civilian population in the Gaza Strip, which has been severely devastated by the war with Israel. This will focus on the reconstruction of the coastal strip, as well as on the Palestinian civil administration and border protection. The aim is also to promote the necessary reform process within the Palestinian Authority. Assistance will also be provided for the released Israeli hostages.

However, the German Chancellor is currently drawing clear limits to support in one area."For Germany, the question of military participation is not an issue," Merz emphasized regarding the planned international stabilization mission, which is intended to safeguard the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. But Germany wants to help create the legal framework for such a presence.

Merz also announced that restrictions on arms deliveries to Israel could be lifted: the approval process would be reviewed"in light of developments on the ground." On Thursday, attacks by the Israeli army in the Gaza Strip were reported.

With a view to the agreement on a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has promised German assistance in medical care and the equipment of hospitals."We are immediately ready to bring appropriate humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip," the CDU politician said at the start of a conference of several foreign ministers of European and Arab states in Paris on Thursday.

Germany wants to convene a reconstruction conference together with Egypt."But this will have to be a politically broader conference that also outlines the political framework for the Gaza Strip – and, of course, always keeps in mind that a two-state solution will ultimately have to be achieved," Wadephul said on the sidelines of a Western Balkans conference in the Northern Irish capital of Belfast.

The German commitment to reconstruction aid was made jointly by the Foreign Ministry and the Development Ministry. Development Minister Reem Alabali Radovan recently described the task in an interview with the Berliner Morgenpost newspaper: In addition to clearing vast amounts of rubble, the first step will be to create temporary accommodations and ensure the supply of essentials."It is clear that the area is almost completely destroyed: only a few houses are still standing, and the infrastructure lies in ruins," said the SPD politician.

The German government has prepared itself with partners in the EU and the Arab states, said Alabali Radovan. As soon as the situation allows,"we can get started quickly." However, this is more of an emergency aid effort. The total cost of reconstruction is enormous and can only be met by a broad international alliance and private partners. According to UN estimates, rebuilding Gaza could cost $50 billion or even significantly more.