BERLIN

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Sunday called for a humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, in order to enable the delivery of life-saving supplies for Palestinian civilians.

“I am sure that the vast majority of Israelis and Palestinians want one and the same thing – peace. One step towards this would be a cease-fire that lasts longer, ideally during Ramadan,” he said on Sunday. The holy month starts this week.

“Such a cease-fire should ensure that the Israeli hostages are finally released and that more humanitarian aid finally reaches Gaza. The US president and I and many others – we are committed to this with all our might,” he added.

In a video message marking the start of Ramadan, Scholz said he understands the feelings of Muslims, as many are gravely concerned about the situation in Gaza.

“The thoughts and feelings of Muslims are certainly with the women, men, and children in the Middle East these days. Many have friends and family members there who they are worried about. I want them to know that they are not alone,” he said.

“Israel has the right to defend itself against the terror of Hamas. And it’s also clear that Israel must abide by the rules of international law and protect civilians. Germany is helping with sending food, medicine and other aid to Gaza,” he added.

Despite growing international calls for a cease-fire in Gaza, diplomatic talks remained deadlocked on Sunday. But US President Joe Biden told MSNBC television that he maintains hope that a cease-fire is still possible.

Israel has waged a deadly military offensive on the Gaza Strip since an Oct. 7 cross-border attack led by Hamas in which some 1,200 people were killed.

More than 31,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have since been killed in Gaza, and over 72,600 others injured amid mass destruction and shortages of necessities.

Israel stands accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice. An interim ruling in January ordered Tel Aviv to ensure its forces do not commit acts of genocide, and guarantee that humanitarian assistance is provided to civilians in Gaza.