Singapore "deeply concerned" about situation in Gaza: MFA

A ball of fire is seen following an early morning Israeli air strike, on July 11, 2014, on Rafah in the southern of Gaza strip. Singapore is concerned about the escalating violence in the Middle East and calls on all sides to work towards a ceasefire
A ball of fire is seen following an early morning Israeli air strike, on July 11, 2014, on Rafah in the southern of Gaza strip. Singapore is concerned about the escalating violence in the Middle East and calls on all sides to work towards a ceasefire. -- PHOTO: AFP

SINGAPORE - Singapore is concerned about the escalating violence in the Middle East and calls on all sides to work towards a ceasefire.

In response to media queries on the rocket attacks on Israel and the situation in Gaza, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman said on Thursday: "We are deeply concerned about the escalating violence. The rocket attacks on Israel must cease immediately. At the same time, we call on Israel to exercise maximum restraint and do its utmost to prevent the loss of innocent lives. All sides must urgently find ways to de-escalate the situation, work towards a ceasefire and ensure the safety and security of all civilians."

The tense situation in Gaza continued on Friday as Israel pressed on for a fourth day with its offensive, striking the Hamas-dominated enclave from air and sea. Palestinian militants meanwhile kept up rocket attacks deep into the Jewish state, Reuters reported.

More than 80 Palestinians, most of them civilians, have been killed in the offensive, the deadliest violence since 2012.

United Nation chief Ban Ki Moon appealed on Thursday for a ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian militants, calling on the international community to do everything to halt escalating violence in Gaza.

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