Chancellor Friedrich Merz of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) spoke by telephone with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday, according to a statement released by the German government’s spokesperson, Stefan Kornelius. During the conversation, Chancellor Merz emphasized the importance of avoiding any steps towards the annexation of the West Bank.
The discussion also focused on the urgent need for humanitarian aid to reach the people of the Gaza Strip safely and with dignity. Chancellor Merz underscored the necessity of establishing a sustainable post-conflict order for Gaza that takes into account both Israeli security concerns and the Palestinian right to self-determination.
Furthermore, Merz expressed hope for a swift ceasefire in Gaza and reiterated the demand for the immediate release of all hostages held by Hamas, including those with German citizenship. He also stressed the imperative of disarming Hamas.