In a phone call with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz urges that talks in Egypt lead to a swift agreement on ending the conflict in Gaza.
“The Chancellor expressly supports President Trump’s peace plan,” a government statement reads. “Almost two years after the October 7, 2023, terror attack, this is the best chance for peace for the hostages and peace for Gaza.”
The spokesperson adds, “The announced withdrawal of Israeli forces in Gaza is the right step. Talks in Egypt must now lead to a swift end to hostilities, a comprehensive release of hostages, full humanitarian access, and Hamas’ disarmament.”
According to a readout from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, the two leaders “agreed to continue pressuring Hamas to secure the release of all hostages, with Netanyahu thanking Merz for Germany’s support.”
“We will continue to act decisively until all the objectives of the war are achieved, including the return of all the hostages and the assurance of Israel’s security,” Netanyahu says in the readout.
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