JERUSALEM, March  17, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on
Sunday called for a deal to free hostages held by Hamas militants in
war-ravaged Gaza accompanied by a "longer-lasting ceasefire".

"We need a hostage deal with a longer-lasting ceasefire... We understand
the hostage families who say after more than five months, 'The time has come
for a comprehensive hostage deal for saving those who are still captive,'"
Scholz said at a joint press appearance with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin
Netanyahu in Jerusalem.