Germany’s Olaf Scholz calls for Gaza deal with ‘longer-lasting ceasefire’
- German chancellor meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem
- Olaf Scholz called for a ‘negotiated two-state solution’ to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Sunday called for a deal to free hostages held in war-ravaged Gaza accompanied by a “longer-lasting ceasefire”, as warring parties geared up for more talks.
“We need a hostage deal with a longer-lasting ceasefire,” Scholz said during a joint press appearance in Jerusalem with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
“We understand the hostage families who say after more than five months, ‘The time has come for a comprehensive hostage deal for saving those who are still captive’.”
Scholz’s visit came the same day Israeli officials were set to meet to discuss the “mandate” of a negotiations team expected to participate in a new round of talks in Qatar aimed at securing a new truce between Israel and Hamas.
Netanyahu is under intense domestic political pressure to free hostages seized during Hamas’ unprecedented October 7 attack on southern Israel, which started the Gaza war now in its sixth month.