German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has set off for a diplomatic tour of the Middle East as efforts continue towards a deal between Israel and Hamas to cease hostilities in Gaza, AFP reports.

Baerbock said the “nightmare” of the conflict must end and called for all efforts needed “towards a humanitarian ceasefire that will lead to the release of the hostages and put an end to the deaths”.

A ceasefire plan proposed by US President Joe Biden in May “must now finally be adopted”, Baerbock said.

The trip will be Baerbock’s ninth to Israel and her 11th to the Middle East since the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel that triggered the fighting.

“Nothing will be gained if a new, young generation becomes radicalised because they have to watch the destruction on their doorstep,” Baerbock said. “The Palestinians have a right to live in security and dignity.”

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