German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, emphasizing that "the moment has come" to end the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Speaking in the German parliament in late June 2025, Merz questioned Israel's objectives in Gaza and described the current situation in the Gaza Strip as unacceptable. He urged Israel to alleviate the "catastrophic" humanitarian crisis in the enclave and highlighted Germany's hope that recent actions by Israel and the United States would deter Iran from pursuing destructive policies. Merz also reiterated support for a two-state solution for Palestinians. By late July 2025, Germany's Foreign Minister echoed the call for fundamental improvements in Gaza's humanitarian conditions, describing the crisis as surpassing imagination and underscoring the urgent need for relief efforts.