German Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas to implement significant reforms within the Palestinian Authority during a phone conversation ahead of his visit to Israel. Merz emphasized the importance of these changes for the Authority to contribute positively to a post-war order and reiterated Germany's backing for the United States peace plan for Gaza. He also acknowledged the Palestinian Authority's cooperative stance toward the plan.

Merz's diplomatic trip includes stops in Jordan and Israel, where he will meet with key regional leaders and visit the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial. During his call with Abbas, Merz reaffirmed Germany's commitment to a two-state solution as the path to lasting peace, despite ongoing opposition from both Israeli and Palestinian factions.