'The war in Gaza is over,' says Germany's Merz in Sharm el-Sheikh

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Monday said "the war in Gaza is over" as he arrived in Egypt for a ceremony marking the peace deal between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

After landing in Sharm el-Sheikh, Merz said October 13, 2025, will be "an important day in the history books - for this region, but also for the whole world."

The peace deal has succeeded in "ending the conflict, at least for today," he added.

Merz said he hoped a phase of peace, good cooperation and lasting stability would begin in the region.

Berlin is prepared to do its bit, above all by providing humanitarian aid, he said.

Merz thanked the mediators in the conflict, including US President Donald Trump.

He expressed the hope that Trump would also use his influence on Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine.

"This square sends out a signal: If the world's international community stands together, it is possible."

The chancellor said he is counting on the US's continued commitment to peace in Ukraine. "Just as they have shown it in this region, they must also show it with us in Ukraine and show it to Russia."

Merz expressed his relief at the release of 20 surviving Hamas hostages, including four German citizens.

However, his thoughts are still with the victims. "For many families, today is also a day of mourning and a day of certainty about the fate of their family members," said Merz. "This will never be forgotten, neither by these families nor by the region."