Scholz’s call came during a press conference together with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whom he met on Sunday.
– We understand the families of the hostages who say that after more than five months, it is time for a comprehensive hostage agreement to save those who are still captured, Scholz said at the press conference.
Will carry out an offensive
However, Netanyahu is not keen on any truce right now. He said Israel will not accept a peace deal that leaves Israel “weak and unable to defend itself”.
On Sunday, Netanyahu also reiterated plans to launch a ground offensive in Rafah in southern Gaza. According to him, the Israeli forces will not invade the city until civilians have first been able to escape.
– Our goal of eliminating remaining terrorist battalions in Rafah goes hand in hand with enabling the civilian population to leave Rafah. There is nothing that we will do while the population is kept locked in place, Netanyahu said.