Scholz and Netanyahu address Gaza crisis, promise civilian safety

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem. "We cannot stand idly by and watch Palestinians threatened with starvation. That's not in our nature; that's not what we stand for," the head of the German government remarked.

During a joint press conference on Sunday, Chancellor Scholz announced that he had discussed with Netanyahu the critical need for comprehensive humanitarian aid for the inhabitants of the Gaza Strip.

"We cannot simply watch Palestinians being threatened with the prospect of starvation. That's not in our character; that's not what we represent," Scholz reiterated in a statement to the media during his visit to Jerusalem.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asserted that Israel will ensure civilians can safely leave Rafah before initiating the anticipated attack on the southern Gaza city, which has become a refuge for over a million Palestinians.

"This operation will not involve holding the population captive. On the contrary, we will facilitate their departure," Netanyahu clarified during the press conference in Jerusalem alongside Chancellor Scholz.

The German Chancellor expressed concern that the Israeli military action in Rafah "will greatly complicate" the efforts towards achieving peace in the region.