German FM calls for immediate ceasefire after deadly Israeli attack in Lebanon

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Sunday called for a ceasefire "as soon as possible" after a deadly Israeli air strike in Lebanon killed at least 60 civilians.

Steinmeier said in a statement that he was "shocked" by the fact that so many civilians were killed in the attack and expressed deep sorrow and sympathy to the victims and their families.

"The tragic events in Qana once again showed that the highest priority now is to stop the fire as soon as possible," said Steinmeier.

The minister said he remained convinced that the conflicts can only be solved through diplomatic means.

"Both sides must give the international community a chance for diplomatic efforts," he said.

However, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said earlier Sunday that he was in "no rush" for a truce and Israel needed 10 to 14 days more to continue its offensive against Hezbollah.

In the deadliest attack of the campaign against Hezbollah, Israeli missiles on Sunday crushed several buildings in the village of Qana, just north of the Israeli border, killing at least 60 people, more than half of them children.

Source: Xinhua