German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger are calling for immediate action to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which has resulted in over 57,700 Palestinian deaths since Israel's military campaign began in 2023.

Both ministers agree that a ceasefire is within reach and emphasize the importance of maintaining humanitarian access while preventing forced resettlements of Gaza residents amid ongoing tensions.

Wadephul and Meinl-Reisinger discussed the need to exert pressure on Hamas, with Wadephul stating, 'Hamas must not have a future,' and both highlighting the importance of diplomatic efforts to improve the situation.

While negotiations for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas are ongoing, they remain challenging, with Hamas recently announcing plans to release ten Israeli hostages as part of the negotiations.

Meinl-Reisinger countered claims that a majority of EU states support suspending the EU Association Agreement with Israel, arguing that such a move would not benefit Palestinians and that there is no consensus among EU members.

An internal EU review found that Israel's conduct in Gaza, especially regarding humanitarian aid, does not align with the principles of the EU agreement, causing tension between EU member states and Israel.

U.S. President Donald Trump expressed optimism that a ceasefire could be reached soon, potentially within the week, following discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu.

Israel faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice over its actions in Gaza, where approximately 1.9 million Palestinians are displaced and suffering from shortages of food and medical supplies.

Meinl-Reisinger emphasized the need for a long-term political solution, advocating for a two-state solution as essential for lasting peace, while reaffirming support for Israel and stressing humanitarian obligations.

Both Wadephul and Meinl-Reisinger expressed concerns over reports of Israeli plans to relocate Palestinians from Gaza, insisting that Gaza must remain Palestinian under international law.

Wadephul's meetings with Austrian and Israeli foreign ministers in Vienna are part of ongoing diplomatic efforts, with future discussions planned in Berlin to continue addressing the crisis.

Wadephul highlighted the importance of applying pressure on Hamas during discussions with his counterparts, emphasizing the need for continued diplomatic engagement.