The Foreign Affairs Ministry remains "deeply concerned" over the ongoing fighting in Gaza, in particular because of the suffering and anguish of civilians.

The ministry said there must be an unconditional halt to rocket attacks by Hamas on Israel in order to end Israeli military action, a matter of utmost urgency. Violence and military options were not the solution, it said. The solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict must be based on the process set out in Annapolis and in accordance with the terms of reference of the Madrid Conference, in particular land for peace, the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the Quartet's roadmap. The Foreign Ministry fully supported international efforts to find an immediate solution to the crisis and the establishment of a permanent ceasefire.

"In parallel, immediate humanitarian action is required and Israel must grant immediate unhindered and secure passage for the delivery of the humanitarian aid to the inhabitants of the Gaza Strip," it said.

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