Agency Report –
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has called Hamas’ partial acceptance of a US plan as “the best chance for peace” for Gaza.
“The release of the hostages and peace for Gaza are within reach,” Merz wrote on X.
“The hostages must be released. Hamas must disarm. The fighting must cease immediately. All of this must happen very fast,” Merz wrote.
“After almost two years, this is the best chance for peace. Germany will continue to engage,” he added.
On Friday, the Palestinian Islamist organization Hamas said it agreed to most of US President Donald Trump’s plan to end the war, including releasing all hostages, but that some points need further negotiation.
In response, Trump urged Israel to “immediately stop the bombing of Gaza, so that we can get the Hostages out safely and quickly!” in a post on Truth Social.
“Based on the Statement just issued by Hamas, I believe they are ready for a lasting PEACE,” Trump wrote.
On October 7, 2023, hundreds of gunmen from Hamas and allied groups stormed into southern Israel and killed around 1,200 people and abducted more than 250 hostages to the Gaza Strip, sparking the current war.
More than 66,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli attacks in the sealed-off coastal region since the start of the bloodshed, according to its Hamas-controlled health authority, in figures viewed as credible by the UN.
