German president reiterates support for Israel

BERLIN

The German president reiterated his country's support for Israel.

Frank-Walter Steinmeier met with his Israeli counterpart Isaac Herzog in Israel on Sunday and expressed solidarity with Israel.

Israel is “fighting for its existence,” according to Steinmeier.

Herzog, for his part, described Steinmeier as a “true friend” and thanked Berlin for its "clear stance."

Steinmeier will also visit Oman and Qatar.

Israel launched a massive military campaign in the Gaza Strip following an Oct. 7 cross-border attack by Hamas.

It has since killed at least 14,854 Palestinians, including 6,150 children and more than 4,000 women, according to health authorities in the enclave. The official Israeli death toll stands at 1,200.

*Writing by Nur Asena Erturk in Ankara