Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz both repeated calls for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages held by Hamas at a joint press conference in Berlin.
Starmer’s visit to the German capital is the first leg of a European tour looking to reset relations and strengthen ties on migration, defence and economic growth with the continent. He is set to meet French President Emmanual Macron later this week.
The Prime Minister said he and the German Chancellor both agreed on “Israel’s right to self-defense, in compliance with International Humanitarian Law, the need for de-escalation across the region; and for restraint and caution to be exercised.
“Unfettered humanitarian access into Gaza, agreement to a ceasefire and release of all hostages and the importance of working together towards a political solution based on the creation of a Palestinian State alongside a safe and secure Israel.”
