German Chancellor Friedrich Merz told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a phone call on Friday that he hoped for a “quick ceasefire” in war-torn Gaza, the government in Berlin said.
Merz also “stressed that urgently needed humanitarian aid must now reach the people of the Gaza Strip in a safe and humane manner” and that “the disarmament of Hamas is imperative,” his office said in a statement.
“The chancellor expressed hope for a quick ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. All remaining Hamas hostages, including those with German citizenship, must be released immediately, it added.
The statement added that Merz “is committed to finding a sustainable post-war order for Gaza that takes into account Israel’s security needs and the Palestinian right to self-determination.”
The chancellor “also stressed that there should be no moves towards annexation of the West Bank.”
Speaking at a press conference today, Merz described the events in Gaza as “no longer acceptable”.
He also emphasized Germany’s commitment to Israel’s security, saying: “We are doing everything we can to ensure justice for both sides, it is clear where we stand. We also, however, see the suffering of the Palestinian population and we are trying to do everything possible to provide humanitarian aid.”
More than 21 months of war have created a severe humanitarian crisis for the population of Gaza, displacing most residents and causing severe shortages of food and other basic necessities.
