By Xinhua
Canberra : Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith on Monday called on Israeli and Palestinian leaders to act with restraint and break the cycle of violence which has gripped the region in recent days.
Smith said in a statement that he was deeply concerned at the escalation of violence in Gaza and southern Israel, which was undermining peace negotiations.
More than 100 Palestinians, many of them civilians, have been killed since Israel launched an offensive when an Israeli civilian was killed by a rocket fired from Gaza last Wednesday.
“Australia urges all parties to heed the call of the UN Secretary-General to act with restraint, take steps to break the cycle of violence and to rededicate their commitment to the peace negotiations,” Smith said.