German Foreign Minister holds talks with Saudi counterpart in Riyadh

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock held talks with her Saudi counterpart Faisal bin Farhan in Riyadh on Wednesday. The German Foreign Minister set off for a diplomatic tour of the Middle East as efforts continue towards a deal between Israel and Hamas to end the Gaza war.

She 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". She added that “a ceasefire plan proposed by US President Joe Biden in May "must now finally be adopted”. The trip will be her ninth to Israel and 11th to the Middle East since the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel that triggered the war.