German Chancellor Olaf Scholz urged Israel and Hamas to implement a UN-backed ceasefire plan in the Gaza Strip.
On the sidelines of the G7 summit in Italy, Scholz told reporters that the leaders discussed international issues and the ongoing war in the Middle East and came to jointly endorse the plan. Scholz stated:
“We have jointly supported this plan, and we also welcome that the UN Security Council has done the same. Now it is important that all parties implement it. We are calling on Hamas in particular to give the necessary consent, so that this can work.”
A few weeks ago, US President Joe Biden presented a three-phase plan. The plan calls for the withdrawal of Israeli troops and the release of hostages from both sides, as well as a plan to rebuild Gaza.
G7 leaders gathered in the southern Italian region of Puglia on Thursday for their annual three-day summit to discuss global affairs, security, migration and climate change. The leaders from France, Germany, the United States, Britain and others were hosted by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at the luxury resort of Borgo Egnazia.
Turkey and Spain to keep working together
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in Madrid on Thursday that Turkey and Spain will continue to work together for peace between Israelis and Palestinians. He noted that “permanent peace, uninterrupted flow of aid” are priorities for the two countries.
The Turkish leader thanked Spanish Prime Minister, saying that Pedro Sánchez “has greatly contributed to stirring the world’s conscience over atrocities in Gaza,” he stressed, thanking him for “wise stance on Gaza and the Spanish people for their support.”
Erdogan also praised Spain’s recent decision to recognise Palestine as a state, saying it was of “utmost importance and should set an example for other countries.” He aslo urged UN Security Council members to stand behind a cease-fire decision and put the necessary pressure on Israel.
For his part, the Spanish Prime Minister said that Turkey and Spain shared the desire for an early cease-fire and humanitarian aid to the Palestinian enclave, as well as the release of Israeli hostages held there.
He also emphasised that Spain and Turkey share a “clear and determined” commitment to peace in Ukraine and Palestine and to the strengthening of a rules-based international order. Erdogan reiterated Sánchez’s position, saying that “a just, comprehensive, and permanent peace in Ukraine is only possible through dialogue.”
The Turkish president went on to say that both he and Sánchez discussed the “rising threat” of islamophobia and xenophobia in Europe, expressing growing concern about the increasing support for far-right parties in recent EU elections.
