Merz Converses with Netanyahu Amidst Gaza Turmoil
Merz in conversation with Netanyahu over the phone.
Share on Facebook Tweet this WhatsApp Email Print Copy Link In a phone call, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz shared views with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the ongoing conflagration in the Gaza Strip. Government spokesman Stefan Kornelius reported that Merz vehemently denounced the brutal Hamas assault on October 7 and expressed his unease about the plight of the hostages and the humanitarian predicament in Gaza. Merz conveyed his optimism that diplomatic talks towards a truce would ensue shortly.
Merz also recognized the impending visits of Israeli President Izchak Herzog to Berlin and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier to Israel. The visits are scheduled to take place during celebrations of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Germany and Israel. President Herzog is expected to arrive in Berlin this Sunday and will return to Israel alongside President Steinmeier on Tuesday. Diplomatic relations between Germany and Israel were first established on May 12, 1965, 20 years post World War II.
Here's a glimpse into the current negotiation scenario:
- Israel's Strategy: Israel has recently sanctioned bold measures to assert control over the Gaza Strip, entailing enhanced military operations and potentially leading to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians. This move has evoked strong international criticism, with the UN urging an immediate halt to the hostilities.[1][3]
- Hamas' Perspective: Hamas has conveyed reluctance towards participating in ceasefire negotiations, attributing this decision to Israel's continuous military aggressions.[3]
- US Involvement: A top US official has issued a stern warning to Israel, threatening severe consequences if Israel fails to agree to a truce and prisoner exchange accord. The official underscored the possibility of the US engaging in regional agreements without Israel's consent.[2]
- International Pressure: The global community, including the UN, is advocating for an immediate cessation of violence and the release of hostages.[3] Unfortunately, at this time, there is no information indicating Germany's active participation in these negotiations.
- We are not going to be able to do this without active German participation in the current negotiations, as the ongoing conflagration in the Gaza Strip requires urgent diplomatic intervention.
- Germany, as a key player in international politics and general news, must exert its influence on Israel, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Hamas to reach a truce and end the war-and-conflicts that are causing humanitarian crises.
- It would be beneficial for all parties involved, including the Israeli President Izchak Herzog and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, to discuss the developments in the region and the war-and-conflicts in the Gaza Strip during their scheduled visits on Tuesday.
- It is crucial for Germany, given its unique history with Israel, to use WhatsApp, phone calls, and other means of communication to communicate with key leaders, such as Benjamin Netanyahu, to negotiate a peaceful resolution to the current conflict in the Gaza Strip.
