German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas expressed support for Israel during his visit to the country and called for a ceasefire between the Jewish state and the Islamist rulers of Hamas in the Gaza Strip, DW reported.

"As long as there are states and groups that threaten Israel with destruction, it must be able to protect its inhabitants. Germany will continue to make contributions to ensure that this remains the case." Maas said as he met Israeli counterpart Gabi Ashkenazi.

"We support the international efforts for a cease-fire and are convinced that the violence must end as soon as possible in the interest of the people. I would also like to call for this here today," he added.

He said he had almost constant contact last week with Ashkenazi, as well as with diplomats in Cairo, Doha, Amman and Washington..

Maas is scheduled to meet with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah.