According to the German communications office, Scholz held a phone conversation with Netanyahu, in which he attached “importance to breaking off the destructive spiral of violence, defusing tensions and working constructively towards de-escalation.”

The German Prime Minister stressed once again that now is the time to seal the agreement on the release of hostages and a ceasefire; as civilian casualties and human suffering in the Gaza Strip are enormous.

ef/omr/oda/nvo