BERLIN

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz had a phone conversation with Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani on Tuesday to discuss ongoing implementation of the ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal in Gaza.

During the call, Scholz thanked the emir for Qatar's “decisive role in mediating the agreement for the release of hostages and the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip,” according to government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit.

The successful negotiations have led to the release of three dual German-Israeli nationals, among other hostages.

The leaders also discussed the political situation in post-Assad Syria, Hebestreit noted.

“With regard to the situation in Syria, they agreed that it is now crucial to initiate an inclusive and transparent transition process,” he said.