Berlin - German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Tuesday sounded out the chances for a ceasefire to allow humanitarian aid to reach the embattled Gaza Strip.

Steinmeier conferred by phone with Israeli Defence Minister Ehud Barak and the foreign ministers of Egypt and Syria, Ahmed Aboul Gheit and Walid Muallim, the foreign ministry said in Berlin.

The minister said such a ceasefire would allow time for diplomatic efforts to permanently halt the violence, which has seen more than 360 Palestinians die since Israel launched airstrikes on Saturday.

Steinmeier voiced fears a further escalation of the conflict would unravel progress made at last year's Annapolis conference in the US and alienate what he called "constructive partners" on the Arab side.

Such a development would throw back the prospects for Mideast peace by years, Steinmeier said, according to a statement released by his ministry.

The Annapolis process launched in November 2007 aimed to restart peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians with the goal of achieving a comprehensive agreement by the end of this year.

The foreign ministry said Germany would contribute a further 2 million euros (2.8 million dollars) in humanitarian aid to the International Committee of the Red Cross, which is helping evacuate badly wounded Palestinians form the Gaza Strip.

On Monday, Steinmeier conferred by phone with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and and Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni.

Steinmeier also called French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner, who was hosting a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Paris later Tuesday to discuss the situation in Gaza.

Israel launched its airstrikes in response to missile attacks on its territory by militants loyal to the radical Hamas movement, which is in power in the Gaza Strip.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel accused Hamas of provoking the military action, which she described as a "legitimate" move by Israel in order to protect its citizens. (dpa)