Foreign Affairs Minister Xavier Bettel undertook a working visit to Israel and Palestine from 9 to 11 March 2025 – his fourth trip since the attack on 7 October 2023 – meeting with his Israeli and Palestinian counterparts. His visit occurred in the context of an uncertain future for the three-stage ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, agreed on 15 January and in effect since 19 January.
After several hostage exchanges amid the fragile truce, it is currently unclear whether the two parties will proceed to the second stage of negotiations.
Bettel explained in conversation with RTL that the situation remains tense due to the differing short-term interests of the two parties. While Israel insists on the release of the remaining 60 hostages still held by Hamas, of whom only half are believed to be alive, Palestinian authorities press for the continued deliveries of food and aid to Gaza, which Israel has blocked.
According to Bettel, there are concrete proposals on the table, such as a compromise by Hamas to release half of the hostages that are still alive in exchange for concessions from Israel while keeping the other half as leverage. Bettel further states that the possibility of Hamas leadership leaving Gaza has also been discussed.
Bettel further explained that the release of half of the hostages is the prerequisite for the extension of the ceasefire until 20 April, which coincides with the end of Passover, a major Jewish holiday. Bettel also made clear to his Israeli counterparts that the blockage of essential goods and electricity to Gaza will worsen the humanitarian crisis, as hospitals will cease to be operational.
During his visit, Bettel reiterated the need for a lasting political solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, based on a two-state solution. Bettel also met a local representative of the International Committee of the Red Cross to discuss the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the ICRC’s role in the exchange of hostages and prisoners.
Finally, Bettel also addressed the lack of trust that Israel and the Palestinian government in West Jordan are experiencing with Hamas. The fragility of the ceasefire is such that tiny sparks can rekindle the flames of war, according to Bettel.
