Avoid civilian casualties at all costs
Scholz: We need a ceasefire in Gaza very quickly
March 16, 2024, 4:56 p.m
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There is great fear of countless civilian casualties in the Gaza Strip as a result of a new military offensive. Before his trip to Israel, Chancellor Scholz is therefore making an appeal to the Israeli government.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz has called for a quick ceasefire in the Gaza war. “It would be important that an agreement is reached very quickly about a ceasefire that would enable the hostages to be released and at the same time allow humanitarian aid to come to Gaza,” said the SPD politician before a two-day trip to Jordan Israel. “We have a difficult situation. It is necessary for aid to reach Gaza on a larger scale now.” A ceasefire is needed that will last “for the near future,” said Scholz.
At the same time, Scholz again warned Israel against a military operation in Rafah in the south of the coastal strip. “We are concerned about the further progression of military developments. In particular, there is a danger that a comprehensive offensive in Rafah will result in many terrible civilian casualties, which must be avoided at all costs.” It is important that “a major human misfortune does not occur.” Many people who would otherwise have no safe place in the Gaza Strip fled to Rafah. It is very important to speed up.
Scholz first wants to meet King Abdullah II in Jordan on Sunday. In Israel, talks are planned for the same day with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Isaac Herzog and hostage relatives, among others.
On Saturday, the Chancellor reaffirmed Israel’s right to defend itself after the terrorist attack by the Islamist Hamas and other extremists on October 7th. At the same time, the rules of international law must be observed, civilian casualties must be avoided and humanitarian aid must reach the Gaza Strip. During his trip he will also talk about “how peaceful coexistence between a Palestinian state and Israel can succeed.”