Angela Merkel supports ‘indirect talks’ with Hamas

German Chancellor says ceasefire impossible without militant Gaza-based group

Palestinian sisters sit on an unexploded missile fired in an Israeli air strike on Gaza city. EPA

An Israeli soldier watches Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile system intercept rockets launched from the Gaza Strip towards Israel, as she patrols the Mediterranean Sea off the southern Israeli coast in a naval boat. Reuters

An Israeli soldier stands on her naval boat while patrolling the Mediterranean Sea off the southern Israeli coast as Israel-Gaza fighting rages. Reuters

Palestinians check the aftermath of Israeli air strikes in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. Deafening air strikes and rocket fire once more shook Gaza overnight and early Wednesday amid an international diplomatic push to broker a ceasefire after more than a week of bloodshed. AFP

An elderly Palestinian man walks past a building destroyed by Israel's bombardment in Gaza City. AFP

A Palestinian man drives his car, which was damaged in an Israeli air strike, to a repair workshop in Gaza city. Reuters

A Palestinian girl, who fled her family's home due to Israeli air and artillery strikes, looks through a railing at a UN-run school in Gaza city. Reuters

Palestinians stand near the damage in the aftermath of an Israeli air strike on a house in Gaza city. Reuters

The Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza which was heavily damaged by Israeli bombardment in Gaza city ealier this week. AFP

Israeli soldiers fire a 155mm self-propelled howitzer towards the Gaza Strip from their position along the border. AFP

Rockets are launched towards Israel from Gaza city, controlled by the Palestinian Hamas movement, amid a flare-up of Israeli-Palestinian violence. AFP

Smoke billows following an Israeli airstrike at Gaza city. AFP

Israeli security forces fire tear gas towards Palestinian protesters during a confrontation in the mostly Arab city of Umm Al Fahm in northern Israel. AFP

Palestinian protesters launch fireworks at Israeli security forces during confrontations with them in the mostly Arab city of Umm Al Fahm in northern Israel. AFP

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has backed "indirect talks" with Hamas to advance ceasefire efforts between Israel and Gaza-based armed groups after 10 days of violence."Of course Hamas has to be included because without Hamas there will be no ceasefire", Ms Merkel said.

Heiko Maas, Germany's foreign minister, is visiting the region on Thursday to meet senior Israeli and Palestinian officials but has no plans to meet Hamas.

Ms Merkel praised Egypt, which has been at the forefront of attempts to ensure a cessation of violence.

She described Cairo as "a very, very important major player in every issue when it comes to whether there will be a ceasefire".

"We stand for Israel's right to self-defence and that's why it is right that Israel is taking massive action,” Ms Merkel said.

"But on the other hand we want to contribute to diplomatic attempts to secure a long-term and sustainable situation in the region”, she said.

Israeli strikes on Gaza have killed at least 230 Palestinians, including 65 children, the health ministry in Gaza said. Rockets fired from Gaza by groups such as Hamas have killed 12 in Israel, including one child.

Mr Maas said Israel has “the right to defend itself against such unacceptable attacks,” but he also expressed concern for civilian casualties.

"Let me say it again very clearly: For us the security of Israel and the security of all Jews in Germany are non-negotiable and Israel can always rely on that," he said.