Germany Urges Israel to Halt Violence in Gaza Strip

The German Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz has stated during a phone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that "the time has come" for an agreement to be reached on the release of hostages held by Hamas and a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. This was reported to journalists by Wolfgang Büchner, the deputy spokesperson of the German government, according to DW.

Scholz noted that many objectives against Hamas in the war have been achieved, but that "the human suffering and casualties among the civilian population are enormous." The head of the German government expressed serious concern regarding the threats posed by regional conflicts in the Middle East. At the same time, he made it clear to Netanyahu that Berlin resolutely condemns threats to Israel from Iran and the Lebanese Hezbollah movement.

During the conversation, Scholz also emphasized that a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip would be an important step towards de-escalating the situation in the region. "Now, more than ever, it is crucial to stop the vicious cycle of retaliatory violence, reduce tension, and work constructively towards de-escalation," Büchner presented the Chancellor's position.