Scholz tells Netanyahu it is time to end spiral of violence

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday (11.08.2024) that the time has come to end the spiral of violence in the Middle East and try to de-escalate the situation.

According to a statement from the Foreign Ministry, Scholz told Netanyahu in a telephone conversation that after having achieved important military goals in the fight against the Palestinian terrorist organization Hamas, it was time to reach an agreement on the release of the hostages and a cessation of hostilities.

“Many goals have been achieved in the fight against Hamas, civilian casualties are numerous and the pain in the Gaza Strip is enormous. Ending the war in Gaza would be a decisive step towards stopping the escalation in the region,” the statement said.

Scholz also reiterated his condemnation of threats from Iran and the pro-Iranian Lebanese militia Hezbollah, which have promised retaliation against Israel for the assassination of several of its leaders.