Spanish
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier celebrated on Monday the release, within the framework of the implementation of the peace plan for Gaza, of those kidnapped by the terrorist organization Hamas in the October 7, 2023 attacks against Israel.
"After 738 days, the hostages return, including some Germans. Two years of fear, pain, and hope are left behind. Today, families can finally embrace their loved ones again," wrote Merz on his X account, where he expressed his wish that this Monday be a beginning for peace in the Middle East.
"The murdered hostages must also return home so that their families can say goodbye with dignity. This day is a beginning: the start of healing and a step towards peace in the Middle East," added the head of the German government.
For his part, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Johann Wadephul, spoke on his X account of a "day of infinite relief for the families of the hostages, who today can once again embrace their loved ones" in a message that he accompanied with a photo with relatives of the kidnapped.
"I am happy for them and with them. At the same time, it is a day of great concern, because we know that some hostages are returning home dead," he added in his message, in which the head of German diplomacy said he was thinking, above all, of the families of the Germans kidnapped by Hamas.
"Knowing that today marks the end of two agonizing years of uncertainty for them is deeply moving," Wadephul noted.
For his part, the German president thanked in a statement the parties involved in the agreement that has made the release possible - the United States, Qatar, Egypt and Turkey - and expressed in writing to the released Germans his hope that they can "gradually overcome the consequences of the violence they have suffered".
Since the day of the attacks on October 7, 2023, Steinmeier has been in contact with the families of the kidnapped, whom he last met on July 10, according to the statement, which includes the German head of state's wish for the advancement of the plan for the end of the war in Gaza.
"The federal president expects the ceremony held today in Egypt to clearly commit to implementing the following phases of the 20-point plan," the presidential statement indicated.
"Germany is willing to actively collaborate to support the difficult peace and cooperation process in the Middle East," he concluded.
