UPDATE - German chancellor calls for 2-state solution for Israel and Palestinians

UPDATES WITH MORE REMARKS OF GERMAN LEADER, CHANGES HEADLINE, DECK

By Mesut Zeyrek

COLOGNE, Germany (AA) - German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Saturday criticized Israel's illegal settlements in West Bank and called for a two-state solution for Israel and the Palestinians.

"In our view, there must be a two-state solution. There should be a possibility of peaceful coexistence between Israel as a state and a Palestinian state," German news agency DPA quoted him as saying during a visit to Nuthetal in Brandenburg state. "This is also in the best interest of Israel."

Scholz criticized Israel's construction of new illegal settlements on Palestinian territory, saying: "We do not want new settlements in the West Bank."

He also spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, telling him 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.