BERLIN: German Chancellor Olaf Scholz told Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a phone call on Monday that a two-state solution with the Palestinians was the only path to lasting peace in the region.

“From the view of the government, only a negotiated two-state solution would open up the prospect of a sustainable solution to the Middle East conflict.

This must apply to both Gaza and the West Bank,” Scholz said, according to a statement issued by his spokesman.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin held a telephone conversation with his counterpart from the UAE Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Russia said on Monday.

The presidents discussed the situation around Ukraine and Gaza and agreed on the “further development of friendly relations”.

Published in Dawn, February 6th, 2024