German Chancellor Proposes Ceasefire In Gaza Strip During Ramadan

JAKARTA - German Chancellor Olaf Scholz proposed to stop fighting in the Gaza Strip during the month of Ramadan with the aim of facilitating the humanitarian aid the Palestinian people desperately need.

Scholz believes that peace is a common desire for most Israeli and Palestinian people, and the first step that can be taken is an extension of the ceasefire, especially during the month of Ramadan.

In addition to allowing further humanitarian aid to reach Gaza, a ceasefire is also expected to lead to the release of detained Israelis.

"I believe that most Israelis and Palestinians want the same thing: Peace. One step that can be done for that is a longer ceasefire, and ideally done during Ramadan," Scholz said, reported by ANTARA, Monday, March 11.

In addition to ensuring that more humanitarian aid could arrive in Gaza, a ceasefire would also ensure that Israelis held hostage were released, Scholz said.

"The president of the United States (Joe Biden) and I and many others are committed to making this happen with all our efforts," he said.

In a statement he made to welcome Ramadan, Scholz said he understood the feelings of Muslims who were very worried about the condition of their brothers in the Gaza Strip.

"The current thoughts and feelings of Muslims are certainly fixated on women, men, and children in the Middle East. Many of them have friends and family members they are worried about. I want to make sure that they are not alone," said Scholz.

However, the German Chancellor said that Israel also has the right to defend itself against Hamas.

"However, Israel must continue to comply with international laws and protect the civilian people," he said.

He also emphasized that Germany is committed to sending food, medicine, and other forms of assistance to the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip.

Although the pressure of the international community so that a ceasefire is realized is even greater, diplomatic efforts to achieve this have not yet reached a bright spot. However, President Biden still believes that a ceasefire will inevitably occur.

Israel's military aggression to Gaza since October 7, 2023 have killed more than 31,000 Palestinians and injured more than 72,600 others.

The International Court issued an initial ruling on January 26 ordering Israel to stop committing genocide and seek to improve humanitarian conditions in Gaza.