German Foreign Minister to visit the Middle East to promote a ceasefire in Gaza.

Berlin announced that Foreign Minister Annalena Bearbock will depart for the Middle East today, as efforts continue towards an agreement to end Israel's Gaza war.

According to German Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Ms. Katrin De Shawer, Foreign Minister Barbar Bock is expected to depart for Saudi Arabia tonight to meet with Foreign Minister Faisal bin Fahd Al Saud.

According to Ms. De Shawer, the meeting will focus on the "dramatic situation in the region" and the "continued attacks on international vessels by the extremist Islamic Houthis in Yemen."

Afterwards, Foreign Minister Bock will head to Jordan to meet with Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi to discuss "the coordination of humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza in particular."

Later, Foreign Minister Bock is scheduled to travel to Israel to meet with Foreign Minister Yair Lapid and Defense Minister Yoav Galant.

According to Ms. De Shawer, "these meetings will focus on urgent and crucial plans for a humanitarian ceasefire, leading to the release of hostages and humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza."

Following that, Mr. Bock will head to the occupied West Bank to meet with Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Mohammed Mustafa.

According to Ms. De Shawer, this visit is Mr. Bock's 9th to Israel and his 11th visit to the Middle East since October 7th.