This morning Foreign Minister Westerwelle spoke on the phone to Nabil Elaraby, the Secretary-General of the Arab League, on the development of the situation in Gaza and southern Israel.

Foreign Minister Westerwelle underscored that the escalation of violence is extremely worrying and poses an additional threat to the stability of the entire region.

In view of the dangerous situation, circumspection and moderation were urgently needed on all sides, he said.

The violence absolutely had to stop and must not be further fuelled, he went on.

Foreign Minister Westerwelle will soon also have a telephone conversation with his Turkish counterpart Davutoglu on the worsening situation.