Both leaders agreed to continue supporting initiatives to reach a truce in the region as soon as possible, German Cabinet´s press service reported.

The escalation started off on May 10 as occupying forces repressed visitors to the Al-Aqsa mosque, one of Islam´s three holiest places, and a Tel Aviv court decided forced eviction of Palestinians from the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood to build Israeli settlements.

Meanwhile, Merkel – who supports Jewish action as if it were the right to self-defense – recognized that a ceasefire requires Hamas´ indirect involvement.

‘It does not have to be directly, but of course Hamas must be involved in some way.

Because without Hamas there will be no ceasefire,’ Merkel told ARD.

She also said, with no further details, that Egypt and other Arab States were holding talks with the ruling party in the Gaza Strip, adding Berlin’s willingness to contribute to a diplomatic solution for a long-term sustainable situation in the region.

mh/pll/msm / ro