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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to do everything possible to secure an urgent ceasefire in Gaza and ensure immediate humanitarian aid reaches civilians in the territory.
Merz expresses deep concern over humanitarian crisis
German Government Spokesperson Stefan Kornelius said in a written statement that Chancellor Merz held a telephone conversation with Netanyahu, expressing deep concern about the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza.
"Merz demanded that Prime Minister Netanyahu do everything possible to urgently secure a ceasefire," the statement said. "Merz called on Netanyahu to immediately deliver necessary humanitarian aid to starving civilians in Gaza."
The statement emphasized that such aid must reach civilians quickly, safely and in adequate amounts, and that effective steps must be taken rapidly following measures announced by the Israeli government.
The German government said it would closely monitor developments and decide in the coming days how it could contribute to improving the situation in consultation with France, Britain and other European partners, as well as the United States and Arab countries.
The German government maintained that it "has no doubt that Hamas started the conflict in Gaza on October 7, 2023," according to the statement, which reiterated that recognition of a Palestinian state is not currently on Berlin's agenda.
The statement said the German government continues to view recognition of a Palestinian state as one of the final steps toward implementing a two-state solution.
The call comes as international pressure mounts for a resolution to the conflict that began when Hamas launched attacks from Gaza in October 2023, leading to Israel's military response in the Palestinian territory.
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