Germany's Wadephul: UN resolution on Gaza is 'decisive milestone'

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has welcomed the UN Security Council's resolution backing the Gaza peace plan.

"This shows that the United Nations system is working," he said during a visit to Belgrade.

Thirteen members voted in New York in favour of the US peace proposal, which has begun with hostages held in Gaza being swapped for prisoners held in Israel, and in a later phase provides for an international force to help stabilize the ceasefire. Russia and China abstained.

"Germany has always made clear that, for us, this resolution is the decisive key to a peaceful future of equalization between Israel and the Palestinians," Wadephul said, calling the vote a "decisive milestone."

The Security Council resolution paves the way for the implementation of the Gaza peace plan and lends legitimacy to a peacekeeping force to secure and provide aid to the Gaza Strip, the conservative German minister said.

This should contribute to establishing security, ensuring adequate humanitarian supplies for the population in the Gaza Strip and finding an initial administrative solution for the region, he said, describing it as "good news."

Wadephul said the German government remained ready to contribute to Gaza's reconstruction, after two years of war left much of the territory in rubble. He said Egypt is expected to lead efforts and Berlin was waiting for an invitation to a reconstruction conference.

Wadephul said he and German Development Minister Reem Alabali-Radovan were ready to travel to Cairo anytime or take any other measures to help move things forward in the Gaza Strip. He stressed the need for constructive talks to begin on peaceful coexistence between Israelis and Palestinians.