Foreign Secretary urges de-escalation in southern Israel and Gaza
William Hague condemns rocket attacks on Israel and is deeply concerned by escalation of violence in Israel and Gaza.
Commenting on rocket attacks by Palestinian militant groups on Israel and Israeli air-strikes on Gaza, Foreign Secretary William Hague said:
I am deeply concerned by the recent escalation of violence in Gaza and southern Israel. I condemn the firing of rockets into Israel by Gaza-based militants. The UK calls on Hamas and other militant groups to stop these attacks. The people of Israel have the right to live without constant fear for their security; the people of Gaza also have the right to live in peace.
All sides must do their utmost to act with restraint and avoid the loss of innocent life. I was deeply saddened to hear there have already been civilian injuries.
All sides have a responsibility to respect in full the November 2012 ceasefire, and to address the underlying causes of conflict and instability in Gaza. A dangerous escalation is in no one’s interest, and would be harmful to prospects for the Middle East Peace Process.
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