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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and U.S. President Donald Trump aligned on the urgent need for a Gaza ceasefire agreement during a telephone conversation Sunday, as international mediators prepare for critical negotiations in Egypt.
The two leaders emphasized the importance of reaching a swift resolution at indirect talks between Israel and Hamas scheduled to begin Monday in Cairo, according to Merz's spokesman Stefan Kornelius.
"All hostages must be released, the fighting must end, and Hamas must lay down its weapons," Kornelius said in a statement. "After almost two years of war, the time for peace has come."
The diplomatic push comes as the conflict in Gaza approaches its second anniversary, with international pressure mounting for a comprehensive agreement that would end hostilities and secure the release of remaining hostages held by Hamas.
The Gaza war began in Oct. 2023 following Hamas's attack on Israel, which killed approximately 1,200 people and resulted in the capture of around 250 hostages. Israel's military response has devastated Gaza, with health officials in the Hamas-controlled territory reporting tens of thousands of casualties.
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Sunday's call also addressed the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, with both leaders discussing European initiatives to support Ukrainian forces through the utilization of frozen Russian assets.
"The Chancellor reported on the initiative to use frozen Russian assets to support the Ukrainian armed forces," Kornelius said. "Both agreed to continue working together for a speedy end to the Russian war of aggression."
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