Commenting on rocket attacks by Palestinian militant groups on Israel and Israeli air-strikes on Gaza, Foreign Secretary William Hague said:

“I am very concerned by the violence in Gaza and southern Israel, and the reported death of a number of civilians, including a child, in Gaza.  I condemn the indiscriminate firing of over 100 rockets into Israel by Gaza-based militants.  The UK supports the Egyptian Government in its efforts to achieve a ceasefire.  All sides need to demonstrate restraint to prevent a dangerous escalation that would be in no one’s interests.”