(Washington, DC) -- Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley is traveling with Senator Chris Van Hollen this week to the Middle East. They'll visit Israel, the West Bank, Jordan, and Egypt. They'll observe humanitarian aid efforts to Gaza and press for an immediate ceasefire and the return of the hostages. The Senators also plan to visit communities in the West Bank, where they will discuss increasing, ongoing violence, including the recent killings of American citizens and attacks on Christian communities.