The White House yesterday urged restraint after an Israel Defense Forces strike in Gaza killed 19 Palestinians, and said it hoped for a swift completion of the investigation into the attack.
'We deeply regret the injuries and loss of life in Gaza today. We have seen the Israeli government's apology and hope their investigation will be completed quickly,' said Gordon Johndroe, spokesman for the White House National Security Council.
'We call on all parties to show restraint so as to avoid any harm to innocent civilians,' he said.
Meanwhile, British Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett said yesterday that she was 'gravely disturbed' by the civilian deaths in Gaza, and extended her condolences to the families of the victims.
'The British government has repeatedly expressed its deep concern over mounting casualties and civilian suffering in Gaza in recent months, and raised these concerns with the government of Israel,' she said.
Beckett also called on Palestinians to end 'unacceptable' Qassam fire on Israel and urged both sides 'to do their utmost to avoid harming civilians, especially children.'