Germany’s Merz, US President Trump discuss Gaza in phone call: Spokesman

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and US President Donald Trump discussed ongoing diplomatic efforts toward a Gaza ceasefire during a phone call, Merz's spokesman announced Sunday.

"The leaders agreed that a swift agreement must be reached at the upcoming talks in Egypt," Stefan Kornelius said, referring to the indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas scheduled for Monday. “All hostages must be released, the fighting must end, and Hamas must lay down its weapons. After almost two years of war, the time for peace has come,” he emphasized.

The spokesman added that the chancellor and President Trump also discussed Ukraine's situation and European efforts to pressure Russia into stopping its war.

“The Chancellor reported on the initiative to use frozen Russian assets to support the Ukrainian armed forces. Both agreed to continue working together for a speedy end to the Russian war of aggression,” Kornelius said.