ISTANBUL

The foreign ministers of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Germany discussed developments across the Middle East on Friday along with bilateral relations, according to the Emirati state-run news agency, WAM.

Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan held a telephone call with his German counterpart, Annalena Baerbock, during which they discussed ways to bolster cooperation and partnership across various bilateral sectors, it said.

"They also exchanged views on the latest regional and international developments, particularly the situation in the Middle East," added WAM.

Israel has continued a brutal offensive on the Gaza Strip since an Oct. 7 Hamas attack despite a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire.

More than 41,100 people, mostly women and children, have since been killed and over 95,000 injured, according to local health authorities.

An ongoing blockade of the enclave has led to severe shortages of food, clean water and medicine, leaving much of the region in ruins.

Israel faces accusations of genocide for its actions in Gaza at the International Court of Justice.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar