https://arab.news/jxa8x
BERLIN: Germany鈥檚 new top diplomat Johann Wadephul called on Saturday for 鈥渟erious discussions for a ceasefire鈥� in Gaza, where the humanitarian situation 鈥渋s now unbearable.鈥�
Ahead of a visit to Israel, Wadephul said it was 鈥渋mperative to start鈥� talks 鈥渢o free all hostages and to ensure that supplies reach the population of Gaza,鈥� according to comments reported by his ministry.
While reaffirming Germany鈥檚 unwavering support for Israel, the official said he would 鈥渋nquire about the strategic objective of the fighting that has intensified since March.鈥�
In Israel, Wadephul is expected to meet his counterpart Gideon Saar and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday.
On Tuesday, Chancellor Friedrich Merz voiced 鈥渃onsiderable concern鈥� about the Gaza conflict and demanded that Israel 鈥渞espect its humanitarian obligations.鈥�
鈥淚n the West Bank as well, Palestinians need political and economic future prospects so that hatred and extremism no longer find fertile grounds,鈥� Wadephul said. His visit comes at a time when Israel and Germany are preparing to celebrate 60 years of joint diplomatic relations.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog is expected in Berlin on Monday, while his German counterpart Frank-Walter Steinmeier will visit Israel on Tuesday.