The situation in the Gaza Strip and in southern Israel is highly alarming. Hundreds of rockets and mortars have been fired at Israel in the past few hours. At least one man was killed and many people were injured in these attacks, some of them seriously.

We condemn this rocket attack in the strongest possible terms. There can be no justification for this violence against innocent civilians. We have always made it clear that Israel has the right to defend its security and to respond to attacks in an appropriate manner.

The mediation efforts of Egypt and the United Nations over the past two weeks have resulted in de escalation that is now at risk of being rendered null and void. It is therefore now of paramount importance that all possible steps be taken to prevent a spiral of conflict that can no longer be contained. The voices calling for peace and dialogue must be heard and the efforts to calm the situation must be pursued all the more vigorously. We expressly support the continued efforts of Egypt, the United Nations and others in this context.

There is a risk of an escalation of dangerous proportions. Any further worsening of the situation must be avoided at all costs. We therefore call for the greatest possible restraint and an end to the violence.