Chancellor Friedrich Merz of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) engaged in a telephone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday, focusing on the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
According to government spokesman Stefan Kornelius, Chancellor Merz voiced significant concern regarding the catastrophic humanitarian situation unfolding in Gaza. During the discussion, he urged Netanyahu to undertake “all possible measures” to achieve an immediate ceasefire.
Merz also explicitly called on Netanyahu to ensure the urgent provision of humanitarian aid to the civilian population in Gaza. This assistance, he emphasized, must reach civilians “quickly, safely and in the necessary quantity”. He further stated that Israel’s announced initiatives require substantial follow-up action.
The German government will closely monitor developments in the region. In coordination with the E3 nations, other European partners, the United States and Arab states, officials will determine in the coming days how best to contribute to an improvement in the situation.
Government spokesman Kornelius reiterated that the recognition of Palestinian statehood remains off the agenda in Berlin. The German government continues to view it as one of the concluding steps towards realizing a two-state solution.