German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has said that “the moment has come” for a ceasefire in Gaza between Israel and Hamas, AFP reports.
Speaking to parliament, Merz reiterated Germany’s support for Israel, which he said “has a right to defend its existence and the safety of its citizens”.
But he added that Germany reserves the right to “critically question what Israel wants to achieve in the Gaza Strip”.
Merz also called on Israel to ensure “humane treatment of the people in the Gaza Strip, especially women, children and the elderly”.