Germany calls for de-escalation as Gaza death toll passes 7,300

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Friday called for de-escalation in the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict, and said humanitarian efforts should be stepped up for the civilian population in Gaza.

Speaking to reporters at the end of an EU summit in Brussels, Scholz said European leaders agreed on a common position on the unfolding situation in the Middle East and defined their priorities.

"While we are supporting Israel's right to self-defense after the terrorist attack, we will also do everything to ensure that there will be no further escalations," Scholz said, as he urged Hamas to release all the hostages without any conditions.

"The urgently needed humanitarian aid such as water, food, medical supplies, everything has to get to Gaza in sufficient and necessary quantities. We also need more transporters than it is the case today," he added.

Scholz said in recent weeks he held discussions with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and leaders of Israel, Egypt, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates to facilitate de-escalation in the Israel-Palestine conflict.

"I will continue my efforts. I believe that we must exert our influence together to ensure that there will be no further escalation. Our discussions are certainly contributing to the necessary trust that is needed among each other," he said.

The conflict escalated dramatically after Hamas' military wing carried out an unprecedented attack on Israel on Oct. 7 by firing thousands of rockets and sending hundreds of fighters into Israeli towns.

Israel responded by an uninterrupted campaign of air and artillery strikes on the Gaza Strip, and the government announced that it is preparing for a ground offensive to root out Hamas.

Over 8,700 people have been killed in the conflict, including at least 7,326 Palestinians and 1,400 Israelis.

Gaza's 2.3 million residents are grappling with shortages of food, water, and medicine due to Israel's massive air bombardment and total blockade of the enclave.