New Delhi, June 20 -- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has stressed the need for the ceasefire negotiated between the United States and Iran to hold in southern Lebanon as well.

Speaking on the issue, Merz said there was broad agreement on the assessment of the situation and emphasized the urgency of maintaining the ceasefire in the region.

He also called on the Israeli government to avoid further escalation through settlement construction in the West Bank. Merz said he had repeatedly conveyed this position during his discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The German Chancellor further stated that proposals involving trade measures against Israel were discussed during the summit. However, he said the German governm...