German Chancellor Calls for Increased Humanitarian Aid to Gaza
Friedrich Merz urges Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for enhanced support amidst ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has reached out to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a phone conversation emphasizing the need for expanded humanitarian aid deliveries to the Gaza Strip.
During the call, which took place on Sunday evening, government spokesperson Stefan Kornelius reported that Merz reaffirmed Germany's commitment to the security of Israel as a fundamental aspect of its foreign policy.
At the same time, he stressed the urgency for substantial humanitarian assistance to be granted access to Gaza and for its safe distribution among civilians.
Merz condemned the actions of the radical Islamist group Hamas, urging the organization to release all hostages and to disarm.
He expressed hope for a swift resolution regarding a ceasefire, reiterating Germany's support for a two-state solution.
The international community is increasingly pressuring Israel in light of the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza, where the United Nations reports that the entire population faces hunger.
A blockade by Israel has severely restricted aid deliveries for weeks, and only a limited influx of supplies has recently begun reaching the territory.
Reports of fatal incidents during aid distribution escalated tensions over the weekend, with Hamas claiming that 30 individuals lost their lives near distribution points.
The Israeli army, however, denied these allegations, citing an investigation that found no evidence of fire on civilians.
The US-based Gaza Humanitarian Foundation also refuted the claims, stating that their aid distribution proceeded smoothly.
As the humanitarian crisis intensifies, Israel has intensified its military operations.
Chief of Staff Ejal Zamir ordered an escalation of ground offensives aimed at facilitating the return of hostages and achieving a decisive defeat of Hamas.
During a briefing to soldiers, Zamir stated, "We are in the midst of a strong and relentless operation," asserting that the terror organization is losing control over Gaza.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz declared that the military should fulfill all operational objectives, regardless of ongoing negotiations.
According to the International Committee of the Red Cross, 179 individuals suffering from gunshot and shrapnel wounds were admitted to the field hospital in Rafah on Sunday morning, with 21 of them pronounced dead upon arrival.
Meanwhile, Qatar and Egypt continue their efforts to broker a new ceasefire.
Hamas has expressed a fundamental agreement to a proposal for a truce but has attached additional conditions.
This stance has been rejected by the United States as "completely unacceptable." US mediator Steve Witkoff urged immediate acceptance to facilitate negotiations for a lasting cessation of hostilities.
In a statement, Hamas indicated its willingness to "immediately initiate a round of indirect negotiations to reach an agreement on outstanding issues," with the goal of establishing a "permanent ceasefire and a complete withdrawal" of Israeli forces.
During the call, which took place on Sunday evening, government spokesperson Stefan Kornelius reported that Merz reaffirmed Germany's commitment to the security of Israel as a fundamental aspect of its foreign policy.
At the same time, he stressed the urgency for substantial humanitarian assistance to be granted access to Gaza and for its safe distribution among civilians.
Merz condemned the actions of the radical Islamist group Hamas, urging the organization to release all hostages and to disarm.
He expressed hope for a swift resolution regarding a ceasefire, reiterating Germany's support for a two-state solution.
The international community is increasingly pressuring Israel in light of the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza, where the United Nations reports that the entire population faces hunger.
A blockade by Israel has severely restricted aid deliveries for weeks, and only a limited influx of supplies has recently begun reaching the territory.
Reports of fatal incidents during aid distribution escalated tensions over the weekend, with Hamas claiming that 30 individuals lost their lives near distribution points.
The Israeli army, however, denied these allegations, citing an investigation that found no evidence of fire on civilians.
The US-based Gaza Humanitarian Foundation also refuted the claims, stating that their aid distribution proceeded smoothly.
As the humanitarian crisis intensifies, Israel has intensified its military operations.
Chief of Staff Ejal Zamir ordered an escalation of ground offensives aimed at facilitating the return of hostages and achieving a decisive defeat of Hamas.
During a briefing to soldiers, Zamir stated, "We are in the midst of a strong and relentless operation," asserting that the terror organization is losing control over Gaza.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz declared that the military should fulfill all operational objectives, regardless of ongoing negotiations.
According to the International Committee of the Red Cross, 179 individuals suffering from gunshot and shrapnel wounds were admitted to the field hospital in Rafah on Sunday morning, with 21 of them pronounced dead upon arrival.
Meanwhile, Qatar and Egypt continue their efforts to broker a new ceasefire.
Hamas has expressed a fundamental agreement to a proposal for a truce but has attached additional conditions.
This stance has been rejected by the United States as "completely unacceptable." US mediator Steve Witkoff urged immediate acceptance to facilitate negotiations for a lasting cessation of hostilities.
In a statement, Hamas indicated its willingness to "immediately initiate a round of indirect negotiations to reach an agreement on outstanding issues," with the goal of establishing a "permanent ceasefire and a complete withdrawal" of Israeli forces.
Translation:
Translated by AI
AI Disclaimer: An advanced artificial intelligence (AI) system generated the content of this page on its own. This innovative technology conducts extensive research from a variety of reliable sources, performs rigorous fact-checking and verification, cleans up and balances biased or manipulated content, and presents a minimal factual summary that is just enough yet essential for you to function as an informed and educated citizen. Please keep in mind, however, that this system is an evolving technology, and as a result, the article may contain accidental inaccuracies or errors. We urge you to help us improve our site by reporting any inaccuracies you find using the "Contact Us" link at the bottom of this page. Your helpful feedback helps us improve our system and deliver more precise content. When you find an article of interest here, please look for the full and extensive coverage of this topic in traditional news sources, as they are written by professional journalists that we try to support, not replace. We appreciate your understanding and assistance.
