German Chancellor Friedrich Merz had tough phone calls with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and urged him to reach an agreement on a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, sources say, reports The New York Times.

According to these sources, Merz is demanding that Netanyahu allow increased food and medical supplies to this Palestinian enclave.

The German chancellor called on US President Donald Trump to put pressure on the Israeli prime minister during a joint phone call with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on July 28, the sources added.