UK 'concern' over Israeli airstrikes

The UK expressed “deep concern” today after Israeli airstrikes killed more than 150 people in the Gaza Strip.

The Foreign Office urged both Tel Aviv and Palestinian leaders to pursue “peaceful means” of reaching a settlement amid signs that tit-for-tat clashes were spiralling out of control.

“The only way to achieve lasting peace in Gaza is through peaceful means,” a spokesman said.

“Whilst we understand Israeli’s obligation to protect its population we urge maximum restraint to

avert further civilian casualties. We also call on those in the Gaza Strip to immediately cease all acts against Israel.”

The Israeli military said the strikes by F-16 bombers were in response to an escalation in rocket attacks from Gaza over recent days, since a truce between the two sides expired.

The targets had been “Hamas terror operatives”, training camps and weaponry storage warehouses, according to a statement.

Gaza officials reported more than 150 dead and 200 others hurt a result of the strikes – the most intense on the territory for decades.

A White House spokesman said the United States “urges Israel to avoid civilian casualties as it targets Hamas in Gaza”.

Aid agencies working in Gaza called on Israel, Hamas and other Palestinian militant groups to pull back from the brink of an all-out military confrontation.

The agencies – Oxfam, CARE International, CAFOD, Medico International and Diakonia – said military action would leave a humanitarian catastrophe in its wake.

Jeremy Hobbs, director of Oxfam International, said: “Gaza has already been paralysed by the Israeli blockade.

“A military attack on Gaza could completely destroy essential infrastructure for sewage treatment, water provision and electricity for hospitals and homes, with devastating impact on civilians.

“Our governments need to help all parties to the conflict find a genuine and lasting solution.

“A military offensive will hit ordinary people, the very people we need as partners in building a better future for the region.

“Military action would alienate Gaza further and the consequences of this would be disastrous.”

Martha Myers, of CARE International, said: “There is no military solution to the situation and the upsurge in violence destroys hopes for peace, refuelling the cycle of violence.

“There is simply no alternative to negotiations to address the root causes of the conflict."