Germany Urges Israel for Ceasefire and Hostage Release

Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to conclude a deal on a ceasefire and release hostages held by Hamas. Scholz emphasized that many military objectives have been achieved, but civilian casualties and suffering in Gaza are significant. An end to the war would aid regional de-escalation.

Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz has called upon Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to finalize a ceasefire agreement and ensure the release of hostages held by Hamas, a German government spokesperson confirmed on Sunday.

According to a statement, Scholz highlighted that many of the military objectives in the conflict with Hamas have been accomplished, yet the level of civilian casualties and human suffering in Gaza remains enormous.

The spokesperson further noted that ending the war in Gaza would represent a critical step towards broader regional de-escalation.

(With inputs from agencies.)