DOHA, Qatar

Qatar’s Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Wednesday discussed the developments in the Gaza Strip and the occupied Palestinian territories amid the humanitarian pause between Israel and Hamas.

In a statement by the Amiri Diwan of Qatar, Tamim called for a permanent cease-fire, protecting civilians, and delivering humanitarian aid to the people of the Gaza Strip.

The emir stressed the importance of finding solutions that ensure the existence of two states in accordance with the UN resolutions, the statement added.

The two leaders also discussed bilateral relations between Qatar and Germany, exploring ways to enhance cooperation in various areas of mutual interest, the statement said.

Qatar announced an agreement late Monday to extend an initial four-day humanitarian pause in fighting between Israel and Hamas for two more days.

Israel launched a massive military campaign in the Gaza Strip following a cross-border attack by Hamas on Oct. 7.

It has since killed over 15,000 people, including 6,150 children and 4,000 women, according to health authorities in the enclave.

The official Israeli death toll stands at 1,200.

*Writing by Ziad Aslan