German Chancellor Scholz calls on Israel regarding Gaza

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz answered questions from journalists at a joint press conference held in Berlin with French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal.

PHONE CALL WITH NETANYAHU

Stating that Germany stands by Israel, Olaf Scholz pointed to the events in Gaza and said, "At the same time, we are calling on (Israel) to ensure that Palestinians in Gaza can access humanitarian aid and that the civilian population is better protected during military operations. I expressed this clearly once again in a phone call I had with Israeli Prime Minister (Benjamin) Netanyahu this afternoon."

Touching on the issue of weapons and financial support to be provided to Ukraine, Scholz referred to his meeting with US President Joe Biden in Washington on Friday, saying, "The US and Europe have a major task in supporting Ukraine, and the message we must send is very clear. We will do this for as long and to the extent necessary for Ukraine to defend itself. This is the message that the American President and we in Europe have formulated, and that is why my visit to the US is, of course, very important."

Expressing his hope that the US Congress will soon take a decision to enable the necessary financial support for Ukraine, Scholz said, "I am in favor of the US and Europe, as well as all member states in Europe, making a contribution large enough to thwart the Russian President's calculations. He hopes that at some point we will not want to continue. This is the message that must be sent to him clearly from both the US and Europe. I have full confidence in this regard."

Scholz also pointed out that negotiations between the European Union (EU) and the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR) countries have been ongoing for many years, and stated that he believes they should be concluded.

HUMANITARIAN PAUSE NEEDED TO AID CIVILIANS

French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal also said, "Considering the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and the large number of civilian lives lost on the Palestinian side, international law must be respected and a humanitarian pause must be provided so that aid can be delivered to civilians."

Emphasizing that the only peaceful solution between Israel and Palestine is a peaceful solution based on two states where people can live in peace and security, Attal said, "This is the initiative we have always advocated."

Stating that France will continue to support Ukraine, Attal conveyed that Ukraine will continue to be supported for the values, freedom, and democracy that the EU represents.

Stating that what is important is not only the financial resources provided, Attal assessed, "At the same time, the type of weapons provided and their ability to meet the highest standards are necessary. In this way, Ukraine can defend itself."

Saying that the goal of fundamentally weakening Europe is the common point of all parties with this ideology, Attal said, "I believe that you should respond by taking action on any issue that could be a weakness. I noticed that in the last presidential elections, the French did not allow the far-right parties to nominate their president twice. This shows me that the political line of this party is very clearly rejected."

News Source: AA