German, Israeli presidents discuss Gaza conflict, diplomatic efforts for cease-fire

By Anadolu staff

BERLIN (AA) – German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier hosted his Israeli counterpart Isaac Herzog at Bellevue Palace on Friday for talks on the Middle East conflict and the latest developments in Gaza.

According to a statement released by his media office, Steinmeier and Herzog discussed diplomatic efforts for the release of hostages held captive by Hamas, and the risks of a wider conflict in the region.

“We need a political perspective for the end of the war, for the security of Israel and the dignity of the Palestinians. The longer the war goes on, the less chance there is of that happening,” the statement quotes Steinmeier as telling his Israeli counterpart.

The leaders also discussed the humanitarian situation in Gaza, where nearly 2 million Palestinian civilians have been displaced by Israel's offensive in the besieged enclave.

Steinmeier called for the continuation of talks on a temporary cease-fire, and the release of Israeli captives held by Hamas.

Several media reports claimed on Friday that a deal between Israel and Hamas for the release of some hostages and Palestinian prisoners could be announced in a couple of weeks.

“The ‘ideal time’ to implement an agreement would be during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which begins March 10,” Israeli daily Haaretz claimed, citing official sources.

Israel has pounded the Gaza Strip since an Oct. 7 attack by Hamas, killing at least 28,775 Palestinians and injuring 68,552 others. Around 1,200 Israelis are believed to have been killed in the initial Hamas attack.

The Israeli war on Gaza has pushed 85% of the territory's population into internal displacement amid acute shortages of food, clean water, and medicine, while 60% of the enclave's infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed, according to the UN.

Israel stands accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice, which in an interim ruling in January ordered Tel Aviv to stop genocidal acts and take measures to guarantee that humanitarian assistance is provided to civilians in Gaza.