Germany voices support for Egypt’s mediation efforts between Israel and Palestine

BERLIN

Germany on Sunday voiced support for Egypt’s diplomatic efforts for a cease-fire between Israel and Palestinian groups.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz told reporters in Berlin that he will speak with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi by phone later in the day to discuss the latest developments.

“President al-Sisi is trying to mediate and de-escalate this difficult situation. We will gladly support Egypt in these efforts,” he said.

Scholz noted that he will also hold telephone calls with US President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak later in the day.

“One thing is clear: We condemn Hamas’s actions in the strongest possible terms. Above all, we are doing everything we can to ensure that this attack does not turn into a wildfire with incalculable consequences for the entire region,” he stressed.

Earlier on Sunday, Scholz held a phone conversation with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu to assure him of Germany’s full support.

“The security of Israel is reason of state for Germany. This is especially true in difficult times like these. We will act accordingly,” Scholz told reporters after the phone call.

Hamas launched the biggest attack on Israel in decades on Saturday, firing thousands of rockets and capturing many Israelis. The Palestinian group dubbed the action as "Operation Al-Aqsa Flood", saying it was in response to the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and increased settler violence.

In retaliation, the Israeli army initiated “Operation Swords of Iron” against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. At least 370 Palestinians have been killed and nearly 2,200 others injured in the attacks, according to medical sources in Gaza.

Israeli death toll has passed 600, with 2,156 wounded, according to the local media reports.