British News Agency

Merz emphasized that the main goal is to ensure peace and security for the people of Israel and the region.

He stressed the need for a ceasefire in Gaza, saying, "Hostages, including German citizens, must be released, the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Organization must be disarmed, and terrorism must end."

Merz reiterated that Israel must act swiftly and decisively to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza: "Suffering civilians must be provided with humanitarian and urgently needed care. We welcome the first steps taken in this direction. But more must follow."

He noted the need for a viable political perspective for Gaza to turn the temporary truce into lasting peace and added, "There should be no deportations or further steps toward annexing the West Bank."