BERLIN, July 29, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Germany will work with Jordan to airlift humanitarian aid to Gaza, Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Monday after Israel promised to open secure routes amid international concern over hunger in the besieged territory.

"Defence Minister Boris Pistorius will coordinate this very closely with France and the United Kingdom, which are also prepared to conduct such an airlift for food and medical supplies," he told a news conference in Berlin.

"We know that this can only be a very small help for the people in Gaza, but nevertheless it is a contribution that we will gladly make," said Merz, who is scheduled to receive Jordan's King Abdullah II in Berlin on Tuesday.

Merz, one of Israel's staunchest supporters in its fight against Palestinian militant group Hamas in the territory, urged Israel to "immediately improve the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza in a comprehensive and sustainable manner".

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's office said he had shared "the plans he is working on with European leaders to bring about a lasting peace" in the Middle East with US President Donald Trump on the latter's visit to Scotland.

The premier's spokesman said the plan would build "on the collaboration to date that paves the way to a long-term solution on security in the region".

He said Starmer would hold a cabinet meeting this week to discuss the current crisis.

Merz also announced that his Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul will travel to the Middle East on Thursday to try to advance ceasefire negotiations between Hamas and Israel.

Concern has escalated in the past week about hunger in the war-ravaged Palestinian territory after more than 21 months of war, with aid groups warning that "mass starvation" was spreading.

Israel bowed to international pressure at the weekend and announced a daily "tactical pause" in fighting in some areas.

After Israel promised to open secure aid routes, truckloads of food reached hungry Gazans on Monday but humanitarian agencies warned vast amounts more were needed to stave off starvation.