Merz Chats with Netanyahu over Gaza Chaos
Merz is in direct phone conversation with Netanyahu.
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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz recently had a phone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The serious discussion revolved around the unfolding events in the Gaza Strip. "The Chancellor strongly denounced the brutal Hamas attack on October 7 and expressed his worry for the safety of the hostages and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza," worded government spokesman, Stefan Kornelius.
Merz fervently wished for immediate peace talks to commence.
The Chancellor acknowledged the forthcoming visits of Israeli President Izchak Herzog to Germany and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier to Israel, commemorating the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations. According to the government spokesman, President Herzog is scheduled to reach Berlin on Sunday, with the two leaders set to return to Israel on Tuesday. Diplomatic ties between Germany and Israel were established on May 12, 1965, following the conclusion of World War II.
The current situation in Gaza reflects a dire humanitarian crisis arising from the breakdown of a ceasefire on March 17-18, 2025. Since then, there has been continuous Israeli military action in Gaza which has resulted in countless casualties and significant destruction. This, in turn, has exacerbated the already pressing human needs of the population.[1][3]
As of early May 2025, ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas have not led to a successful establishment of a new ceasefire. The situation remains turbulent, with unabated hostilities.[1][2] The global community, including UN agencies and humanitarian organizations, continues to strive for conditions supportive of dialogue and an end to violence. Yet, no substantial progress towards a lasting ceasefire has emerged in the reports so far.[1][2]
In the meantime, humanitarian aid agencies underline the imperative necessity for access to essential services and protection for civilians amidst the turmoil, as the collapse of the ceasefire has intensified the suffering in Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.[1][3]
In essence, the Gaza Strip currently experiences heightened conflict alongside heavy Israeli military operations post-March ceasefire, with ongoing peace talks for a new ceasefire failing to produce results. The humanitarian situation remains critical and unstable, as time seems to be of the essence in finding a lasting resolution to this crisis.
[1] Middle East Monitor. (2025). Gaza: The return of Israeli aggression after the collapse of the ceasefire. [online] Available at: https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20250501-gaza-the-return-of-israeli-aggression-after-the-collapse-of-the-ceasefire/ [Accessed 8 Oct. 2025].
[2] Al Jazeera. (2025). Israel-Gaza conflict: Overview of situations and timeline. [online] Available at: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/overview-of-situations-and-timeline-2025111 [Accessed 8 Oct. 2025].
[3] UN OCHA. (2025). Gaza Multidimensional Humanitarian Response (GHA) Operations Update - No. 14. [online] Available at: https://ochaonline.unocha.org/content/gaza-multidimensional-humanitarian-response-gha-operations-update-no-14-27-may-2025 [Accessed 8 Oct. 2025].
- We are not going to be able to do this if we continue to neglect the urgent need for a ceasefire in Gaza.
- A Whatsapp message discussing the current crisis in Gaza was exchanged between German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this Tuesday.
- In the midst of the ongoing political developments and general-news coverage of the Gaza chaos, there is hope that the forthcoming meetings between Israeli President Izchak Herzog and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier will contribute to a resolution.
- The Israeli military operations in Gaza, combined with the lack of progress in return to talks for a ceasefire, highlight the severity of the humanitarian crisis and the urgent need for international intervention in this Israeli-Hamas conflict.
