In call with Israeli PM, German chancellor emphasizes need to improve humanitarian situation in Gaza

By Mesut Zeyrek

COLOGNE, Germany (AA) - German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Saturday told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the humanitarian situation in Gaza needs "urgent" improvement.

"In a phone call with Israeli PM Netanyahu, I assured him of the full solidarity with the people of Israel and emphasized the urgent need to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza," Scholz said on X after the conversation.

"Humanitarian ceasefires can contribute to a significant improvement," he added.

Israel has killed at least 12,000 Palestinians in its air and ground attacks on the Gaza Strip since the Oct. 7 surprise offensive by Hamas.

The official Israeli death toll stands at about 1,200.

Thousands of buildings, including hospitals, mosques, and churches, have either been damaged or destroyed in Israel’s relentless strikes on the besieged enclave.

An Israeli blockade has also cut Gaza off from fuel, electricity, and water supplies, and reduced aid deliveries to a trickle.

Israel has rejected growing calls for a cease-fire until the release of hostages held by Hamas.

*Writing by Alperen Aktas in Istanbul