German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has expressed opposition to an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, despite showing support for a humanitarian truce. Speaking at an event organized by the “Heilbronner Stimme” newspaper, Scholz remarked that while a humanitarian ceasefire could make sense, especially for evacuating the wounded from Gaza, an immediate halt to hostilities might not be the best course of action.
Scholz explained his stance, saying he was pleased to acknowledge that he doesn’t believe the demands for an immediate ceasefire or a long truce, which he considers somewhat similar, are the right approach. He concluded by stating that a ceasefire would allow Hamas to replenish and acquire new rockets, which they could then use to attack again, an outcome he deemed unacceptable.
This statement from the German Chancellor comes in contrast to recent calls for a ceasefire in Gaza. French President Emmanuel Macron, for instance, has recently urged for a halt to the violence in the region. Moreover, a rare summit held on Saturday saw Arab and Muslim leaders from around 60 countries calling for an immediate end to “Israeli aggression” in Gaza. They proposed a global peace conference and emphasized the urgent need to break the siege on Gaza, ensuring the immediate and sustained delivery of aid convoys, including food, medicine, and fuel.
The summit’s final statement highlighted the importance of supporting Egypt’s efforts in promptly and adequately providing assistance to the region. The leaders also backed all measures taken by Egypt to address the consequences of the Israeli aggression in Gaza.
In the backdrop of these developments, Scholz’s stance indicates a complex geopolitical landscape where international leaders balance between calls for peace and the realities of ongoing conflicts. His position reflects a nuanced approach to the issue, acknowledging the need for humanitarian aid while expressing concerns about the potential consequences of a hasty ceasefire.
