Diplomatic responses

Country Notes

Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai's chief spokesman Hamayon Hamidzada said that, "We strongly condemn the barbaric attacks of Israel forces against civilians and defenseless people of Palestine in Gaza strip."[49] On the floor of the UN General Assembly, Afghanistan said that it "stood with the Security Council in condemning all violence against civilians and in calling for immediate implementation of resolution 1860."[50]

Albania The Ministry of Foreign Affairs "calls upon the parties for tranquility and maturity by expressing its belief that both parties will show self restrain and will turn back to bilateral discussions as the only way for the stabilisation of the situation to the benefit of the two peoples and the whole Middle East region".[51]

Algeria Prime Minister Ahmed Ouyahia said "In the name of government, I express our strong condemnation of crimes against humanity perpetrated by Israel for a week against Gaza's people."[52]

Argentina The government of Argentina called for "a return to dialogue and negotiations without delay" and expressed its "deep regret" over the acts of violence taking place, urging both Israel to "end all bombings on Gaza strip" and Hamas to "end its rocket attacks on Israeli territory".[53]

Armenia The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement, declaring: "We are deeply concerned about the events in Gaza Strip, during which hundreds of people have already been killed or wounded. We express hope that the violations will stop and negotiations will immediately start for the solution of all disputable issues in a peaceful way."[54]

Australia Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said that Australia recognises Israel's right to self-defence, and that "The escalation in the conflict, following the (action by) Israeli ground forces, underlines the absolute importance of bringing about an effective diplomatic solution." He also said that "It is critical, therefore, for Israel to meet its humanitarian obligations under international humanitarian law towards the people of Gaza, ensuring that they have access to basic goods, food and humanitarian assistance and medical supplies."[55][56]

Austria Foreign Minister Michael Spindelegger said, "We demand an immediate stop to the rocket attacks against Israel from within the Gaza Strip. The right of the Israeli people to a life in peace and security without permanent threat from rocket attacks must be guaranteed. […] Israel's legitimate right to self-defence is undisputable. It is clear, however, that even during military operations, international law must be complied with. The large number of civilian victims in recent days is unacceptable."[57]

Bahrain The Bahraini Parliament Council strongly condemned "the barbaric massacre by the Israeli enemy against the unarmed Palestinians in Gaza that clashes clearly with all religions, ethics and international accords".[58]

Bangladesh Prime Minister-designate Sheikh Hasina condemned Israeli attack and called on Muslim leaders to help stop the attacks.[59]

Belarus The Republic of Belarus condemned the use of force "the loss of life among the peaceful population of Palestine and Israel. The conflicting parties should immediately cease hostilities and embark on handling the existing problems by way of negotiations".[60]

Belgium Minister of Foreign Affairs De Gucht expressed "horror and dismay at the dramatic rise in the number of victims of Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip".[61]

Benin On the floor of the UN General Assembly, Benin condemned Israel's attacks on UN infrastructure. The country also announced that it "supported a diplomatic solution, particularly the Franco-Egyptian plan, and called on all stakeholders to continue negotiations to ensure that compromise prevailed."[50]

Bolivia The Bolivian government strongly condemned the Israeli air strikes of Palestinian territory of Gaza. Its statement said the successive Israeli air strikes against civilians in the Gaza Strip were crimes and the attacks represent a severe and massive violation of the International Humanitarian Law.[62]

On 14 January, Bolivia broke diplomatic relations with Israel and during a press conference President Evo Morales asked for the revocation of Shimon Peres's Nobel Peace Prize for failing to stop the invasion.[63][64]

Botswana Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Phandu Skelemani said "The Botswana position is that we don't need war. War has never brought any solution to problems. The downside about war is that it affects innocent elderly people, women and children, not those who initiate it." He emphasised Botswana's view that both parties "must learn to talk" to resolve their differences and that "If people have mouths and brains but decide to fight, then there is real poverty in their thinking. Neither Israel nor Gaza will disappear if both parties engage in dialogue, as opposed to war."[68]

Brazil The Ministry of External Relations of Brazil issued the following statement on December 27: "Brazil deplores the disproportionate Israeli reaction, as well as the launching of rockets against southern Israel."[69] Following the escalation of the violence in Gaza, it added: "The Brazilian Government deplores the continued disproportionate actions by the Israeli Government in the Gaza Strip, which have caused, in only 3 days, the deaths of over 300 Palestinians, many of whom were civilians and children. Brazil calls on both parties to cease mutual hostilities immediately".[70]

Brunei Darussalam His Majesty's Government condemns the military action taken by Israel in Gaza that has caused the death and injury of so many innocent Palestinians. In expressing its deep regret over such disproportionate use of force against the Palestinian people, Brunei Darussalam is concerned that the deterioration of the situation in Gaza may undermine international efforts to bring about a just and peaceful solution to the conflict.".[71]

Bulgaria Bulgaria's Foreign Affairs Ministry appealed "to the both sides in the conflict avoid violence that has already took many human lives."[72]

Burkina Faso Speaking on the floor of the UN Security Council, the delegation of Burkina Faso said, "We condemn the use of force by anyone on either side. We regret the great loss of life in the current crisis, including among civilians, that has resulted from Israel's disproportionate military operations in Gaza. […] We also cannot condone the repeated firing of rockets by Hamas, which endangers the lives of both Israeli and Palestinian civilians. My delegation calls for an immediate ceasefire in order to avert an escalation that could engulf the entire region […]."[73]

Canada Canada's foreign affairs minister, Lawrence Cannon, issued a statement in which he pointed to Israel's "clear right to defend itself" against continuing attacks by militants he accused of "deliberately" targeting civilians. "First and foremost, those rocket attacks must stop. At the same time, we urge both sides to use all efforts to avoid civilian casualties and to create the conditions to allow safe and unhindered humanitarian access to those in need in Gaza". Cannon also urged renewed efforts to reach a truce.[74]

Cape Verde The Government of Cape Verde supported the call for the establishment of a ceasefire and the immediate withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip, per Resolution 1860 of the Security Council. Statement also said that the government "believes that the massive and disproportionate attacks by Israel to the Gaza Strip are in violation of international humanitarian law, exacerbating the already difficult humanitarian situation of the people civilians in the territory, exacerbate tensions in the sub-region and create a climate conducive to the development of extremism."[75]

Chile The Chilean government formulates a call to an immediate cease of hostilities and provocations, "and deeply regrets the disproportionate use of force by Israel in the Palestinian territories. The Government of Chile reiterates its most absolute conviction that the military solution won't conduct to peace, to which Israelis as well as Palestinians have rights."[76] Chilean President Michelle Bachelet said that, "Our biggest call is to stop all actions from both sides."[77]

On the floor of the UN General Assembly, Chile "deplored the Israeli aggression, as well as the launching of rockets towards Israel."[50]

China "China expresses serious concern about the escalation of the tense situation in Gaza, denounces actions that cause injuries and deaths to ordinary people, opposes the use of military force in resolving disputes, appeals to related parties to exercise maximum restraint and to settle differences through dialogue", Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang in a statement posted on the ministry's website.[78]

Colombia Minister of Foreign Affairs Jaime Bermúdez called for an end to "all types of military aggression and for a dialogue" between Israelis and Palestinians. Colombian government, expressed its "profound sadness and great worry faced with the violence in the Gaza Strip."[79]

Congo, Republic of the President Denis Sassou Nguesso called on the UN Security Council to "fully commit itself in order to end the armed confrontation between Israelis and Palestinians in the Gaza Strip". He said "While condemning the use of force and deploring the human losses as well as the sufferings of innocent people, we urge the international community, mainly the UN Security Council, to fully commit to end the language of weapons." He also said that any resolution of the crisis must be comprehensive, taking into account the right of both the Israeli and the Palestinian to exist.[80]

Costa Rica Foreign Ministry issued a statement saying "We condemn the excessive use of force by Israel, and we condemn terrorist acts by Hamas against Israeli territory, including the launching of rockets". The statement also expressed "deep concern" over civilian casualties in Gaza and called for greater humanitarian aid to Palestinians living there.[81]

Croatia Croatian President Stjepan Mesić expressed deep concern over the escalation of violence in the Middle East and said that a "solution cannot be reached with wars or shelling civilian targets in Israel, or actions by suicide bombers in which innocent people are killed without exception, or massive military retaliation operations such as the attack on Gaza. Peace and coexistence with the recognition of reality are the only perspective of the Middle East. As a country that considers itself with reason a friend of Israel, but also Arabic countries and the Palestine people, and as a member of the Security Council, Croatia expects the United Nations to undertake urgent, rational and constructive steps to prevent a further escalation of violence in the Middle East.".[82]

Cuba In a statement issued in Havana, the Cuban Revolutionary Government called the Israeli military operation "criminal", terming it as "the bloodiest attack Israel has ever launched against the Palestinian people".

Cyprus Both Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders condemned the violence, "Israeli forces' use of disproportionate power", and called for the immediate cease-fire.[83] In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus also emphasised the need for direct peace talks of the Israeli and Palestinian leaderships towards a comprehensive solution to the Palestinian problem, and the positive role neighboring countries can play. The Government of the Republic of Cyprus expresses its support to the Palestinian Authority and emphasises the prospect of intra-Palestinian reconciliation efforts under the mediation of Egypt, considering that there can not be a military solution to the issue of Gaza.[84]

Czech Republic Czech foreign affairs minister Karel Schwarzenberg said that "Israel has the right to take military action against attacks on locations where its civilians live" and that "no political dialogue is possible because of Hamas's attacks on Israeli settlements. However, it is unfortunate that the living conditions in Gaza are very bad. These conditions need to be changed in such a way that they do not make young people join radical organisations".[85] Schwarzenberg also condemned Hamas' placement of strategic military targets in densely populated areas, and hinted that this likely elevated civilian casualties.[86] Czech prime minister Mirek Topolánek, the current boss of the EU presidency, said through his spokesman for the presidency issues, Mr Jiří Potužník, that he understood the Israeli actions to be defensive in character. Pressure from some old EU member countries has led Mr Potužník to retract the statement and apologise for this actual attitude of the current EU presidency that was not allowed to become the official attitude of the EU.[87]

Denmark In a press release, Danish Foreign Minister Per Stig Møller expressed his concerns for the escalating crisis in Gaza, saying that "The new spiral of violence in the Middle East is deeply disturbing. […] If the fighting continues, it will only favour Hamas".[88]

On January 7, Denmark summoned the Israeli ambassador in Copenhagen in protest at attacks on clinics run by a Danish charity in Gaza.[89]

Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen said that, "it was Hamas that broke the truce, and Hamas started the conflict by firing rockets on Israel. No country can just passively accept being fired on."[90] On the floor of the UN General Assembly, Denmark "fully acknowledged the right of Israel to defend itself against rockets and terrorist attacks and its right, according to the Charter, to self-defence […] within the limits laid out by, and in compliance with, humanitarian law."[50]

Dominican Republic Foreign minister Carlos Morales said "We reject the excessive use of force conducted since December 27 by the Israeli army; but also the launching of rockets to Israeli territory from the Gaza Strip." Later Dominican Republic also signed a joint statement of the Central America Regional Integration System that called for "an immediate withdrawal of the Israeli army". The resolution also demands that the United Nations Security Council "intensify the efforts to recover the stability in the zone" of the conflict in compliance of its function to maintain peace and international security.[91]

Ecuador President Rafael Correa issued a statement saying "Ecuador joins the call to implement a condemnation of Israel for crimes against humanity committed against the Palestinian people living in Gaza Strip".[92]

Egypt Egypt condemned the Israeli attacks, but Egypt's foreign minister, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, said that Egypt has long warned Hamas that this would be Israel's response should Qassam fire continue.[93] As a result of many protests, Egypt opened up the Rafah Border Crossing to allow the wounded into Egyptian hospitals.[94] The Egyptian Ministry of Health sent 30 buses to North Sinai to help transport injured Palestinians.[95] The Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs said that Hamas does not allow the wounded Gazans to cross the borders to Egypt.[96] Egypt also deployed 500 CSF anti-riot police along the border.[97] At the 6060th UN Security Council meeting the Egyptian representative stated that the "crippling blockade imposed by Israel" is in "flagrant violation" of Israel's responsibilities under international law, international humanitarian law and its specific obligations as an "occupying power".[98]

El Salvador In an official statement, the president of El Salvador, Elías Antonio Saca and the foreign minister, Marisol Argueta de Barillas, expressed concern about the conflict and deplored the "appalling consequences for the civilian population". President said that "both Jews and Palestinians have to understand they have to coexist".[99]

Eritrea Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement saying "The people and Government of Eritrea express deep and unreserved sympathy to the innocent and defenseless Palestinian people in Gaza who are currently being subjected to unacceptable atrocities. Underlining that the Bush Administration holds primary responsibility for this act, the people and Government of Eritrea hope that the incoming Barack Obama Administration would assume its historic responsibility."[100] To this the Eritrean president added, "The pointless killings and murders on both sides must come to an end; a solution must be achieved for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict."[101]

Estonia Foreign Minister Urmas Paet emphasised that Estonia is calling upon Israel and the Palestinian Authority to make an effort to resume talks. He said, "Estonia condemns Hamas's decision not to extend the cease-fire agreement and to continue using terrorist methods to achieve its goals." Estonia also called "for an end to all violence and the restoration of the cease-fire agreement, for currently the number of civilian victims is continuously growing".[102]

Ethiopia Ethiopia's Prime Minister wrote in a report to the Sana'a Forum that, "Military action leading to the killing and suffering of civilians, by whomever is carried out, deserves to be condemned. The latest development between Israel and Hamas should be contained and should not be allowed to deteriorate even further."[103]

Finland Minister Alexander Stubb, has declared that "Finland condemns the escalation of violence in Gaza and urges the parties to calm down the situation. Finland is particularly worried about the rapid deterioration of the civilian living conditions in Gaza. The Israeli air strikes have demanded a disproportionate amount of civilian victims and they must end immediately. Simultaneously Hamas and other extremist groups must immediately cease their rocket attacks. The parties must reinstate the truce without delay."[104]

France French president Nicolas Sarkozy stated he "firmly condemns the irresponsible provocations that have led to this situation, as well as the disproportionate use of force".[105] France condemned the Israeli ground offensive that was initiated on January 3.[106] The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that "France condemns the Israeli land offensive against Gaza, as it condemns the ongoing rocket launches".[107] On 8 January, Prime Minister François Fillon qualified the humanitarian situation in Gaza as "intolerable" and stated: "while France has from the start condemned rocket launches from Gaza, as she condemns rocket launches from Lebanese territory, we also think that nothing justifies the suffering inflicted to civilian populations who live trapped in the Gaza strip".[108]

Gabon President Omar Bongo said "Gabon, like all countries that have already spoken on the issue, is campaigning for a cease-fire and resumption of negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians".[109]

Gambia Gambian President Yahya Jammeh called on "civilised members of the human race" to rise up against "this holocaust that has been unleashed on the helpless Palestinians, whose lands, human dignity and right to peaceful and dignified existence in their own country are being blatantly violated with impunity." In his new year message, President Jammeh said between 1939 and 1945, the whole world waged a war against Nazi Germany to free Jews from the holocaust being perpetrated against them. Jammeh said, however, that if Israel is carrying out similar "genocide/holocaust" against Palestinians on their soil, the international community must not allow that. "The whole world is watching with indifference while Palestinians fall victims of a brutal and inhuman occupying power that is bent on wiping them out", remarked. "This world would be a very dangerous and violent place if such blatant barbaric and genocidal behaviour is condoned by the world community", he added.[110]

Georgia "The escalation of tensions in the Gaza Strip […] has been triggered by rocket attacks launched by Hamas against innocent Israeli civilians", read a Georgian foreign ministry statement.[111]

Germany German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier has told Hamas to end what he called its "unacceptable" rocket attacks on Israel, while urging the Jewish state to do everything it could to avoid civilian casualties.[112] German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Monday said the blame for renewed violence in the Middle East can be pinned on Hamas. Speaking to Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert by phone, she said responsibility for the three-day-old Israeli air offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip lies "clearly and exclusively" with Hamas, according to government spokesman Thomas Steg.[113]

Greece Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis said Athens is aligned with the European Union presidency's statement over the worrisome developments. "A conflagration in the Middle East amid an international economic recession is a nightmare prospect that must be avoided at all costs ... The international community has a huge responsibility, it cannot remain idle; it must immediately assume initiatives for a de-escalation of tension".[114] The minister further condemned "all violence and terrorism", saying that Hamas had "sparked" the conflict and Israel's response was "disproportionate".[115]

Greek Parliament President Dimitris Sioufas proposed to take a coordinated action aimed at ending the escalating violence in the Middle East, namely, a meeting within the framework of the Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly. The presidents of the national parliaments and assemblies of Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, Tunisia, Cyprus, Serbia, Czech Republic and Turkey expressed their support to the initiative, while the president of the Palestinian national authority was positive. Additionally, Israel's Knesset president expressed her appreciation for the proposal, while calling for the manners that will lead to a political solution via Parliamentary diplomacy.[116]

Guatemala Guatemala expressed "its condemnation of the missile launch by Palestinian groups against Israeli territory." It also said that it considered Israeli force "disproportionate", and that it would inevitably lead to loss of innocent lives and "a humanitarian tragedy."[117]

Honduras Honduras called on Israel and Palestine to cease hostilities and expressed confidence that the United Nations can contribute to that achievement. The Honduran Foreign Ministry called for the UN, particularly the Security Council to work on "achieving a consensus to allow the immediate cessation of hostilities, to stop the loss of precious human lives and instability in this region".[118]

Hungary The statement of the Hungarian Foreign Ministry says that it "has been following with great attention and concern the latest eruption of violence in the Middle East and the increasing number of casualties. Hungary considers important the earliest ending of military activities. The perpetuated rocket attacks from the Gaza strip against Israel and the Israeli military operation in response threaten with a new cycle of violence. Hungary supports Israel's right for self-defence within the framework of international law. In this context, it is of high importance to avoid civilian casualties and to guarantee continuously the humanitarian needs of the population in the Gaza strip. Hungary believes that violence caused by continuous provocations hinders any lasting settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Peace can only be achieved by compromises of the parties ready for substantive negotiations, supported by the international community including Hungary."[119] The leader of the Hungarian opposition party Jobbik, Krisztina Morvai, attack Israel for its offensive, calling it a "mass murder" and "genocide of the Palestinian people." She sent an open letter to Israel's ambassador to Hungary writing that Israel held itself "above the law", while expressing her belief that Israeli leaders will be imprisoned over their actions in Gaza. She also added that she "rejoiced" when she heard of Israeli casualties, and that "The only way to talk to people like you is by assuming the style of Hamas. I wish all of you lice-infested, dirty murderers will receive Hamas' 'kisses.'"[120]

Iceland Deputy Permanent Representative of Iceland to the UN made the following statement before the Security Council: "My country has condemned the killings of civilians and aligns itself with the Secretary-General of the UN as well as those member states which have called upon Israel to stop immediately its military actions in this densely populated area. Iceland has also condemned the firing of rockets from Gaza to terrorise Israeli civilians. Hamas bears a heavy responsibility for drawing civilians into the conflict zone. However, Israel's actions in Gaza, the past two weeks, are both disproportionate and clearly contrary to international humanitarian law."[121]

India On December 29, India urged Israel to end its military operations against Palestinian civilians and expressed awareness of the "cross-border provocations" that led Israel to mount the operation. It urged an immediate end to Israeli "use of force against Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip that has resulted in large numbers of casualties."[122] On December 30, India released a second statement condemning what it called Israel's "disproportionate" and "indiscriminate" use of force, and expressed disappointment at the large number of civilian casualties.[123][124] On January 4, India condemned Israeli ground attack on Gaza.[125]

Indonesia President of Indonesia Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said the Indonesian government remained consistent in supporting the struggle of the Palestinian people to maintain their rights and sovereignty. He said that "Israel`s unproportionally all-out war on Hamas with a great number of fatalities is an unforgettable human tragedy. We invite all parties to help stop the Israeli attacks and we will continue to support the Palestinian struggle. Indonesia finds it necessary for the UN Security Council to make a formal meeting and issue a resolution to force Israel halt its aggression."[126]

Iran The Iranian Foreign Ministry said that "Iran strongly condemns the Zionist regime's wide-ranging attacks against the civilians in Gaza" and that "the raids against innocent people are unforgivable and unacceptable".[15] Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei issued a religious decree to Muslims around the world on December 28, ordering them to "defend the defenseless women, children and people in Gaza in any way possible", and calling those who die as "martyr[s]".[127]

Iraq The Iraqi government condemned the attack, stating that: "the Iraqi government demands a halt to the military operations, that civilians’ lives are not unnecessarily exposed to danger and requests that the international community honour its responsibilities and take the required measures to stop the attack".[128] The Dawa Party of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki called on Islamic countries to cut relations with Israel and end all "secret and public talks" with it.[129]

Ireland Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin, said "I condemn in the strongest terms Israel's action in launching air strikes in Gaza against Hamas targets which have resulted in widespread civilian fatalities." To this he added, "I strongly condemn the firing of rockets into Israeli territory."[130]

Italy The Ministry of Foreign Affairs released the following statement on 4 January: "The Italian government, with the broad consensus of its parliament, recently reasserted Israel's right to defend itself but, at the same time, launched an appeal to its Israeli friends that they do everything possible to ensure the protection of civilians and the dispatch of humanitarian aid. Once again the gravity and irresponsibility of Hamas’ violation of the truce is clear."[131] Minister of Foreign Affairs Franco Frattini called for a United Nations' Security Council resolution to bring an immediate ceasefire to the Gaza Strip.[132]

Jamaica Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade issued a statement saying, "The Government of Jamaica is deeply concerned at the recent escalation of the conflict in the Gaza Strip. We recognise Israel's right to protect its citizens. We are, however, alarmed at the disproportionate and excessive use of force displayed by the Israeli government, which has resulted in numerous casualties, including the deaths of hundreds of Palestinian civilians, as well as the destruction of infrastructure. […] We are no less concerned about the indiscriminate firing of rockets over many weeks into Israeli territory by Palestinian militants. This cycle of violence and retaliation impedes efforts to broker lasting peace in the region. […] Jamaica joins others in calling for a ceasefire and urges both parties to refrain from further action that could result in an escalation of the conflict."[133]

Japan "Japan urges both parties to immediately halt the use of force in order not to escalate the violence further", Foreign Minister Hirofumi Nakasone said in a statement released late Sunday."Japan urges both parties to immediately halt the use of force in order not to escalate the violence further", Foreign Minister Hirofumi Nakasone said in a statement released late Sunday."Japan calls on Israel to exercise its utmost self-restraint. Japan also calls on Palestinian militants to stop attacks from the Gaza Strip against Israel,"[134]

Kazakhstan A Foreign Ministry spokesman said, "Kazakhstan expresses its deep concern and regret over the recent events in Gaza, resulting in the death and suffering of the civilian population, the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Palestine. Kazakhstan calls for an early settlement of the situation through political means and calls upon the parties to renounce violent solutions."[139]

Kenya Prime Minister Raila Odinga backed the UN Security Council decision demanding an immediate cease-fire in the war in Gaza leading to a full Israeli withdrawal. He said "As I speak, however, the violence in Gaza continues. I therefore call upon the entire international community to use all means at their disposal to persuade both parties to cease fire".[140]

Kuwait Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Muhammad A-Sabah A-Salim A-Sabah said that "the Kuwaiti government and nation strongly condemn the aggressions and crimes being perpetrated by the Israeli regime against people in Gaza Strip".[141]

Latvia Foreign Minister Māris Riekstiņš condemned "any use of military and disproportionate force in the solution of this crisis, both by rocket attacks on Israeli territory from the Gaza strip and by Israeli airstrikes on Gaza."[142]

Lebanon The Lebanese Government strongly condemned the "completely in the eyes of the world's brutal aggression" by Israel against the Palestinian Gaza Strip. Prime Minister Fouad Siniora said "On behalf of the Government I expresses strong condemnation of the criminal operation, which takes place in the Gaza Strip".[143]

Libya Libyan leader Muammar al-Gaddafi has accused fellow Arab leaders of adopting a "cowardly" response to Israel's deadly bombardment of Gaza, and vowed to boycott an Arab summit on the crisis called for later this week. He rhetorically asked Arab leaders "How many times have you held emergency summits? Is this the first time you are proposing an emergency summit? How many summits have you held on the Palestinian issue? What have you achieved?".[144] He called for the Arab peace plan proposed between Arab states and Israel to be revoked. He said that "the Arab initiative is nothing more than an Arab scheme, these massacres (in Gaza) were caused because of it. It has encouraged the enemy to do it. We should be ashamed of such proposals. There are hundreds of people dying in the Gaza Strip as victims of the elections in Israel and in the United States. Our children are being slaughtered for the sake of Israel's election. They talk about peace, which kind of peace is this? The Israelis live in peace and us Arabs remain in the ruins. We do not want peace or negotiations, we do not want talks or peace as long as the enemy is capable of massacring us. We are speaking meaningless words. Peace negotiations were a failed attempt, this is our reality. As long as we are unable to be free and unable to stop the attacks and the massacres, what will you do at this convention? The best answer is to revoke what is called the Arab peace initiative."[145] Gaddafi said about Arab leaders "These characters should be ashamed of themselves. They are trading on the name of the Palestinian cause with their cowardly, weak and defeatist stands. One proposes a (peace) initiative. Another offers empty humanitarian relief. The next one makes speech and the other takes an initiative to call for an emergency Arab summit. You should withdraw your initiative, which you have called an Arab initiative. It is an Arab conspiracy.".[146] On the floor of the UN General Assembly, Libya said that the Palestinians "had the right to defend themselves with whatever was available to them."[50]

Liechtenstein Liechtenstein said on the floor of the UN General Assembly that, "All military activities had to be stopped; there had to be an immediate end to rocket attacks by Hamas, as well as military actions by Israel."[50]

Lithuania Foreign Minister Vygaudas Ušackas said, "In solidarity with other EU countries, Lithuania expresses big concern regarding provocations, violence and victims in southern Israel and the Gaza Strip, calls for an immediate ceasefire and urges the sides in conflict to return to truce." An official statement by the Lithuanian government said that he "is aware of Israel's right to defend its citizens from the terrorist attacks of Hamas. However, herewith [the] Foreign Minister indicates that while defending from terrorist attacks, innocent civilians should not be hurt in Gaza. And in the current situation, it is necessary to immediately join efforts of the international community in order to ensure that Israel and Hamas return to truce and to guarantee humanitarian aid provision to innocent civilians."[147]

Malaysia On December 28, Malaysia's Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi called upon the United Nations Security Council to take action following the air strikes by Israel on Gaza and the escalating violence, calling for an immediate halt to violence, so as to avoid a humanitarian disaster in Gaza.[148] On January 8, Badawi called for sanctions to be placed against Israel, denouncing its "excessive deployment of military power" as "absolutely immoral", and saying the international community has a "moral duty" to save the Palestinian people.[149] Following the war, the Malaysian Foreign Minister called for Israeli leaders to be prosecuted for war crimes. Ex-Prime Minister Mahathir bin Mohamad criticized the United States and Britain for their support of Israel.[150]

Maldives The government issued a press release expressing its alarm at the escalating violence in the region and the loss of life. The statement called on Israel and Hamas to exercise restraint and put an end to hostilities. It urged both countries to pursue their objectives through dialogue. "Israel must honour its international humanitarian obligations and Hamas must respect Israel's right to security," the statement read. Foreign minister, Dr Ahmed Shaheed, said the Maldives would not be taking any direct action against Israel, it would put pressure on the Israeli government to cease its offensive.[151]

Malta On the floor of the UN General Assembly, Malta "condemned the rocket attacks on Israeli towns and on citizens from Gaza."[50] Maltese Foreign Ministry said that Malta fully supports efforts for a permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and for immediate humanitarian aid to the victims. In a statement, the ministry said Malta continued to be deeply concerned at the ongoing fighting in Gaza, in particular the suffering and anguish of the civilian population in the region.[152]

Mauritania Mauritania, one of only three Arab League countries that enjoys full diplomatic ties with Israel, has suspended its relations with Israel in protest over the Gaza offensive. The ambassador of Mauritania to Israel was recalled, and the Israeli embassy in Mauritania was shut down.[153]

On January 16, Mauritania suspended economic and diplomatic ties with Israel.[154][155]

Mauritius Mauritian Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam, Thursday evening (1 January) expressed his government's compassion for the Palestinian people "in these days when hundreds of them are losing their lives in Gaza under Israeli bombing. What is happening in Gaza is unacceptable", Ramgoolam said in his New Year day's address broadcast on national television. He said that Mauritius stood by the people of Palestine and supported the international call for an immediate ceasefire in that country.[156]

Mexico Mexico called on Sunday for an "immediate" halt to Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip, where massive air raids have killed over 300 people so far. The Mexican government asked for "an immediate halt to military operations" and expressed "grave concern about the bombings conducted on December 27 by the Israeli army and the excessive use of force", the ministry of foreign affairs said in a statement. Mexico "also rejects rockets launched from Gaza on Israeli territory", it added.[157]

Morocco "The Kingdom of Morocco strongly condemns the massive Israeli military operations which have claimed, this morning, the lives of dozens of Palestinian brothers in Gaza strip, and strongly condemns the disproportionate use of force and the tragic escalation of violence", a communiqué of the Foreign ministry said on Saturday. "The Kingdom of Morocco calls for the immediate halt of the hostilities which, beyond the significant loss of life, exposes the region once again to escalation, violence and divisions", the document added.[158]

Namibia Minister of Foreign Affairs, Marko Hausiku said "The Government of Namibia condemns the Israeli bombardments and ground assault on the Gaza Strip. This naked aggression and disproportionate use of force by Israel is unfortunate and only leads to further escalation of violence. The Government of Namibia calls on the Government of Israel to withdraw its troops from the Gaza Strip.".[159]

Nepal The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a press release "The Government of Nepal is concerned over the military operation in the Gaza Strip that has caused considerable casualties and material damage with attendant risks of a grave humanitarian catastrophe". The government has also called upon the parties to urgently agree on a cessation of violence, which it said is so crucial to move forward the stalled peace process in the Middle East.[160]

Netherlands Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende said that he understands Israel's moves, given the scores of rockets that are being fired from Gaza onto Israeli targets by Hamas. He refused to condemn Israel for its military action and called for international pressure on both sides.[161]

New Zealand The New Zealand government, which has been reluctant to speak out on the conflict initially, issued a statement on January 7 saying it was "deeply worried by the mounting humanitarian crisis in Gaza as a result of the continuing Israeli ground offensive". Foreign Minister Murray McCully said that attacks on United Nations facilities, including schools, in the Gaza Strip were of grave concern and underlined the need for both sides to agree to an immediate ceasefire. His statement also said "We call for Israel to immediately cease military attacks and for Hamas to immediately cease rocket and mortar attacks. Both sides have obligations to avoid putting civilians in danger. It is imperative both sides focus on the mounting humanitarian situation for the civilian population of Gaza.". He said that the government would not choose sides in the conflict "We've avoided getting into a fairly pointless argument about who and what is a proportionate versus disproportionate response".[162]

Nicaragua President Daniel Ortega demanded the Israeli government stop its criminal acts in Gaza. "I want... to ask the international community to make all necessary efforts to stop the criminal acts of the Israeli government against the suffering Palestinian people", Ortega said in a statement.[163]

North Korea A foreign ministry spokesman of the DPRK "resolutely denounces Israel's killing of unarmed civilians as a crime against humanity, a serious provocation against the Palestinians and other Arab people and an open challenge to the Middle East peace process".[164] On the floor of the UN General Assembly, North Korea stated that it "fully supported Palestinians’ struggle to expel Israeli aggressors from their Territory and restore their right to self-determination."[165]

Norway Norway's Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre has said that using warplanes against Gaza is unacceptable, as it is impossible to separate civilians from soldiers in this small area. He also says that Hamas must cease the launching of rockets into Southern Israel.[166]

On January 4, Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg criticised the Israeli ground offensive into Gaza, calling it "a dramatic escalation". He also urged the UN Security Council to pass a resolution requesting the immediate halt in the fighting.[167] Foreign Minister Støre also criticised the Israeli ground offensive in Gaza, saying that it "constitutes a dramatic escalation of the conflict. Norway strongly condemns any form of warfare that causes severe civilian suffering, and calls on Israel to withdraw its forces immediately."[168] The Norwegian Foreign Ministry also declared: "Norway has condemned and continues to condemn Hamas’ firing of rockets from Gaza at civilian targets in Israel."[169]

Oman Deputy Prime Minister Sayyid Fahd bin Mahm-oud Al Said said "We condemn the Israeli aggression on the Palestinian people and the excessive use of force by Israel instead of resolving outstanding issues by adopting amicable methods We also confirm that this unacceptable Israeli attitude will not resolve any problem, but will increase tension and instability in the region. A comprehensive and just peace could only be achieved by reverting to dialogue."[170]

Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi have condemned the Israeli attacks in Gaza that killed over 200 people on Saturday and have appealed for cessation of hostilities.[171] President Asif Ali Zardari further said Israel's air raids on Gaza Strip have "violated the Charter of United Nations". He also urged the entire world to take swift action of Israel's raids on Gaza as it was as open violation of UN Charter.[172] On January 11, the Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the UN, Hussain Haroon, called for an immediate ceasefire and calm. He criticised Israel saying the unrestrained use of force, scale of destruction, killing of innocent civilians, including women and children, the violation of UN safe havens, and the collective punishment of an entire people were blatant breaches of international law. He said that those act, in their totality, constituted war crimes and crimes against humanity. He also called for the end of Israel's blockade in Gaza.[173]

Panama On the floor of the UN General Assembly, Panama "condemned the attacks of Hamas and supported Israel's right to defend itself." It also emphasised that, "that right must be applied with proportionality."[50]

Paraguay In a communique from the Foreign Ministry, the Paraguayan authorities urged the parties to "immediately cease military action (and) to return to dialogue to find a peaceful solution to their disputes".[174]

Peru The Government of Peru expresses his deep preoccupation by the situation of violence in Gaza and the south of Israel that has brought consequently the irreparable loss of human lives, and makes a call to the immediate cease of hostilities in this region. The Government of Peru supports recent Official notices of the Secretary General of United Nations and of the Security Council of this international organism with respect to this violent scaling so that, in the brief term, all the involved parts suspend all military activity and the conversations can be reinitiated that allow to lay the way to find solutions to the existing problems in the context of the Israeli relation - Palestine. The Government of Peru makes arrive his more felt condolences at the families of all the victims and soon formulates votes for a reestablishment of the calm in Gaza and the south of Israel.[175]

Philippines The Philippines was deeply concerned about the worsening situation in Gaza and southern Israel stating that "The Philippines deplores the continuing violence, rocket attacks and excessive use of force that have already resulted in much damage and suffering and hundreds of casualties, particularly with civilians."[176]

Poland Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has released the following statement:[177] Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland is deeply concerned about the escalation of violence in Gaza and expresses regret over the growing number of civilian casualties. "We condemn rocket attacks against Israel by Hamas. We also find no justification for the scale of military operation taken in response by the Israeli side. We call for immediate cessation of military actions by both sides, resumption of peace negations with a view to establishing a permanent truce".

Portugal Portuguese Foreign Ministry called on Israel and the Palestinians to work for a solution to their conflicts and stop fighting in the Gaza Strip.[178]

Qatar Qatar has condemned the attacks on the Gaza Strip, and has arranged for an extraordinary Arab League summit to be held in Doha on 2 January to discuss a unified Arab stance against the operation.[179] Qatar sent two planes with medicine and food to al-Arish in Egypt for Gaza.[180]

On January 16, Qatar suspended economic and diplomatic ties with Israel.[154][155]

Romania Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cristian Diaconescu, pointed out Romania's concern about the current situation and has expressed his belief that the cessation of violence and identification of solutions for the humanitarian issues from the Gaza Strip are absolutely necessary in view of resumption of political dialogue. He said that from Romania's point of view, the solution to this crisis may be found only by political means and he has emphasised Romania's availability to undertake, in cooperation with the partners from EU and following bilateral actions, the diligences necessary to support the political-diplomatic regulation of this crisis. Minister Diaconescu has also showed that, understanding the daily difficulties the population from the Gaza Strip is facing for, the Romanian authorities are available also for the identification of certain solutions to grant humanitarian assistance.[181]

Russia Russia called for a stop of "large-scale acts of force against the Gaza Strip, which has caused considerable victims and suffering amongst the Palestinian population", but also called for Hamas to "stop shelling Israeli territory".[182] In his talk to Prime Minister Olmert President of Russia Dmitry Medvedev "Voiced serious concern over numerous civilian victims and humanitarian problems stressing the need for the soonest ceasefire in Gaza". Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov added that "the disproportionate use of force by Israel, which causes suffering to the civilian population, can be neither understood nor justified".[183]

Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic The government of the SADR condemned the massacre in the Gaza strip, considering that "the use of force, the policy of colonial occupation, killing and terror against defenseless citizens are contrary to morals, laws and customs of the humanity and are in contradiction with international legality.". Basing on that, the Sahrawi government "expresses its solidarity with the Palestinian people in the tragedy subsequent to the massacre perpetrated by Israeli forces against Palestinians in Gaza Strip, and supports their battle to defend their independence and territorial sovereignty".[184]

San Marino Antonella Mularoni, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs said "The San Marino Government hopes that a prompt solution will be found to guarantee peaceful coexistence to both Palestinians and Israelis who are entitled to peacefully live in that land. The ongoing crisis in the Gaza Strip is unfortunately the dramatic result of Hamas’ truce violation followed by Israeli retaliation. Therefore, we sincerely hope that no efforts will be spared at national and international level to reduce as much as possible the bloodshed and the number of innocent victims who have the right to durable peace."[185]

Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia urged the United States to intervene to end Israeli attacks on Gaza, calling the attacks "occupation and mistreatment of Palestinians."[186] Saudi police reportedly broke up a pro-Gaza protest on December 29, (though the Interior Ministry denied such an event took place).[187] Awadh Al-Qarni, a Saudi cleric, issued a fatwa permitting the targeting of Israeli interests worldwide in retaliation for the Gaza attack.[127] Saudi Arabia has blamed divisions amongst the Palestinians for the conflict, as well as Hamas for provoking Israel.[188]

Senegal The Senegalese president, Abdoulaye Wade, declared that "Senegal... requires Israel to withdraw immediately and without condition from the Palestinian territory, put an end to this invasion and to stop the air raids."[189]

Serbia Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremić said "We are joining the voice of the whole world, which condemns the violence in Gaza, and we call for the stopping of missile attacks on Israel and Israeli attacks against the Gaza strip".[190] Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement saying "Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia condemns attacks in the Gaza Strip, and calls for calming of military actions in which guiltless civilians are killed. The Republic of Serbia welcomes the decision of the U.N. Security Council and joins in with the rest of the world in condemning the violence in the Middle East. Republic of Serbia is committed to a peaceful resolution of all conflicts, and calls on both sides to stop the attacks which cause a humanitarian catastrophe."[191] President of the National Assembly Slavica Đukić Dejanović accepted a proposal of the Greek Parliament President for a regional conference aimed at ending the escalating violence in the Middle East.[192]

Singapore Singapore called on all parties in Gaza to exercise maximum restraint and work towards an early re-establishment of the cease-fire, the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Monday night. "We are deeply concerned about the situation in Gaza with mounting civilian casualties and the possibility of a humanitarian catastrophe", a spokesman of the ministry said in the statement.[193]

Slovakia In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic condemns the escalation of the violence between Israel and Hamas in Gaza Strip after the unilateral dismissal of the truce by the Palestinian extremists and calls both parties for an immediate halt to the violent actions. MFA calls on Israel to avoid any use of disproportionate force and to consider the risk of an expansion of the conflict in the region."[194]

Slovenia Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a press release saying "The Ministry is closely following the current situation in Gaza and south Israel, and expresses concern regarding the increased violence that has been claiming more and more civilian victims. The Ministry condemns Hamas's interruption of the cease fire that had been in place and the constant rocket attacks on Israeli territories, while at the same time opposing the disproportionate use of force on the part of the Israeli army and clear violations of international humanitarian law. The Ministry condemns in particular the Israeli army attacks on schools, health centres and UNRWA buildings. There is no excuse for today's attack on a UNRWA building that killed 40 people, which represents an egregious violation of international humanitarian law. The Ministry therefore calls on Hamas to cease all rocket attacks on Israel immediately and on Israel to stop its military action. The Ministry also advocates the unhindered opening of all border crossings with Gaza in order to ensure the supply of humanitarian aid and fuel, and the presence of medical staff. Moreover, conditions must be created for the safe distribution of aid to the civilian population. The Ministry is already examining possibilities of immediate help to alleviate the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. Greater engagement of the EU and its international partners is of crucial importance in achieving sustainable peace. To this end, an EU delegation is paying an important visit to the region, and Egypt, the Arab League and Turkey continue to strive for termination of the violence and resumption of negotiations."[195]

South Africa South Africa's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Fatima Hajaig called on Israel to stop military attacks in Gaza and withdraw its forces from the border immediately, and said, "The South African government finds the continued siege on Gaza unacceptable as it does not allow humanitarian relief supply such as medicine, food and water to reach the desperate people of Gaza."[196] "The South African government unequivocally and in the strongest possible terms condemns the escalation of violence on the part of Israel brought about by the launching Saturday night of a ground invasion into Gaza", read a statement issued by the foreign affairs department after the start of Israel's ground offensive.[197] South Africa said that, "the violent situation in Gaza and southern Israel made it imperative for the [UN General] Assembly to collectively and publicly voice its condemnation of the attacks and demand that both sides immediately cease their military attacks."[165] The country made a similar call in the UN Security Council.[198]

South Korea The Government of the Republic of Korea is deeply concerned about the deteriorating situation in and around the Gaza Strip following Hamas's recent attack and Israel's subsequent air-strikes and regrets the large casualties that have resulted from the collisions.[199]

Spain Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Ángel Moratinos "expressed his firm condemnation of the irresponsible provocation on the part of Hamas in launching rocket attacks, as well as the Israeli Armed Forces’ disproportionate retaliation."[200] Spain offered the International Committee of the Red Cross two trucks of humanitarian aid to be sent to Gaza.[201]

Sri Lanka In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka, the government "calls upon all parties concerned to end the violence, to ensure a climate conducive for the re-commencement of negotiations to find a lasting solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict. Sri Lanka has been a consistent advocate for the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people to establish an independent Palestinian State within secure borders to co-exist in peace with its neighbours. Sri Lanka calls upon the parties concerned to exercise utmost restraint and work towards immediate de-escalation of violence in the Gaza Strip.[202]

Sudan The Sudanese government strongly condemned Israeli air raids and called on the UN Security Council and the world society to shoulder their responsibility and exert pressures on Israel to stop the aggressions and lift its blockade against the Palestinian people. The ruling National Congress Party issued a statement, denouncing that the Israeli aggressions using the American weapons has demonstrated the savagery and barbarianism of the military mechanism of Israel.[203] Protesters in Sudan condemned Arab leaders and demanded that they "show Gaza support".[204] Thousands of Sudanese marched towards the Egyptian embassy in Khartoum calling for an opening of Rafah crossing.[129]

Sweden Foreign Minister Carl Bildt harshly condemned Israel's assault on Gaza.[205] On January 8, asked if Israel had breached international law in the current campaign Foreign Minister Carl Bildt answered "... A massive breach of international law, massive breaches of human rights, a massive humanitarian crisis".[206] He called for an immediate ceasefire, saying "acts of warfare against, from and in Gaza must cease immediately. This must take place without delay." He also called for an end to the isolation of Gaza.[207] Bildt repeated these calls twice on January 13.[208][209]

Switzerland On December 27, the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs released a statement of its "concern over the most recent escalation of violence in the Gaza strip"[210] and called "for an immediate end to the acts of violence which are intensifying the suffering of the civil population".[211] On January 4, a new statement deplores the escalation of violence in Gaza. It called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and has requested a durable reopening of crossings into Gaza. The FDFA also protests the denial by Israeli authorities of access to Gaza by an emergency medical team of the International Committee of the Red Cross.[212] It condemned the rocket attacks from Gaza that have taken place since the end of the truce as an "untenable burden" to Israel's civilian population. Though its right to self-defence was acknowledged, the reaction of the armed forces of Israel was condemned as "disproportional". The FDFA considered recent events to be "serious violations of humanitarian law, which prohibits in particular acts of violence against civilian populations" and called upon all conflicting parties to respect their obligation to respect the Geneva Convention, especially as to refrain from acts of violence against civilian populations.[210]

Syria On December 27, an official government source stated that "Syria follows, with deep concern, the brutal Israeli aggression on the Palestinian people in Gaza and stresses that what is going on is a heinous crime and convicted terrorist act. Syria condemns this appalling crime and calls on the Arab nations and the International community to use all available means to pressure Israel to stop this aggression immediately, allow the transfer of the injured and ensure them medical care, and open all crossings to allow the access of foodstuffs and health needs to the besieged Palestinian people". Syria also called on the Arab League to hold an emergency summit.[213] A Syrian official stated that Syria was canceling Turkish-brokered Middle East peace talks because of Damascus' anger about the Gaza offensive.[214] At an Arab League summit, Syrian president Bashar al-Assad stated that Arab Leaders should adopt a resolution proclaiming Israel to be a terrorist entity and supporting Palestinian resistance. In al-Yarmouk camp, outside Damascus, dozens of Palestinian protesters vowed to continue fighting Israel.

Tajikistan Statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan expresses concern over crisis in the Gaza Strip. The worsening of the armed clashes in the Gaza Strip, resulted in hundreds of thousands of dead and wounded civilians, including women and children. As a result of collisions Gaza, that is under blockade, could face a humanitarian catastrophe. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan stresses that the problem of the Gaza Strip, the Arab-Israeli conflict and the whole Middle East crisis can not have a military solution. Accordingly, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan calls upon all warring parties to immediately announce the unconditional cease-fire and resume the negotiating process. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan, reaffirming its support for the mediation efforts of countries and organisations aimed at a peaceful solution to the problem of Gaza, expresses confidence that the will of the international community will be able to exclude non-peaceful ways of resolving differences and conflicts."[215]

Tanzania Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete said in the statement: "Tanzania believes that there is no military solution to Palestine-Israel conflict and that such actions (ongoing fighting) serve only to increase tension in the region." The Tanzanian president added that the killings were horrifying and that only those two sides (Palestine and Israel) have the key to halting the hostilities. President Kikwete told Palestinian Ambassador to Tanzania, Nasri Khalid Abu Jaish, that it was crucial that the Hamas should stop its rocket attacks against Israel. The president told Israeli Ambassador to Tanzania, Jacob Kdeidar, that the Israeli fury has gone too far and its military actions has provoked vile international reactions in that its actions were causing unjustifiable deaths among the civilians.[216]

Thailand The Foreign Ministry of the Royal Thai Government issued a statement saying that they were "gravely concerned with the escalating situation of violence in the Gaza Strip causing loss of civilians’ lives and damages to public infrastructures" and urged the "withholding of military operation on the Israeli side and an end to the rocket attacks at Israeli civilians from the Gaza Strip". They called for a quick resolution through diplomatic initiatives.[217][218]

Tunisia The Ministry of Foreign Affairs released the following statement: "Tunisia expresses its deep concern following the Israeli air raids in the Gaza strip which have caused scores of victims among the brotherly Palestinian people. Tunisia condemns this dangerous escalation and reaffirms its call to the international community, and notably the influential powers, for an urgent and energetic intervention, to stop the Israeli aggression, offer the necessary protection to the Palestinian people and put an end to its suffering. Tunisia also stresses that these acts, are likely to increase the tension, aggravate the situation and endanger all the efforts exerted to establish peace, security and stability in the region".[219]

Uganda Following the Security Council's call for a ceasefire, Uganda "urge[d] the parties involved to move very quickly to implement the provisions of this resolution."[224]

Ukraine Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement saying "While condemning the firing of rockets into Israeli territory from the Gaza Strip, we express doubts about the proportionality of Israel's use of military force. We urge the parties to the conflict to adhere to the principles of international humanitarian law in parts of the inadmissibility of collective punishment and destruction of civilian populations".[225]

United Arab Emirates In a statement issued by the Foreign Ministry, the UAE voiced its support for holding an emergency Arab League meeting, WAM reported. In a phone conversation, President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan discussed with Shaikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, Emir of Qatar, the situation in Gaza in view of the Israeli attacks. The UAE also condemned the Israeli government and called for an immediate ceasefire. The Emirate of Dubai also condemned the attacks and cancelled all New Years celebrations in a supposed stand of solidarity with the people of Gaza.[226]

United Kingdom When asked if the UK is "neutral on this", Foreign Office Minister Bill Rammell responded: "I think we’ve taken the right position. We’ve condemned the rocket attacks from Hamas on the state of Israel. […] But similarly we’ve made clear that there's been a massive loss of life within the Gaza Strip."[227] British Prime Minister Gordon Brown condemned Israel over the shelling of the UN HQ in Gaza and said ""When the United Nations is doing such vital work - humanitarian work amongst women and children in Gaza - no-one can defend this attack by Israeli forces on the compound... The Israelis have now admitted it is a serious mistake."[228] The United Kingdom's government called for "maximum restraint to avoid further civilian casualties" and for an "immediate halt to violence"[229] and on the other side for "militants in the Gaza Strip to immediately cease all rocket attacks on Israel".[15] The British Foreign Secretary David Miliband also warned that Israel's attack might encourage further extremism.[230] Gordon Brown criticised Israel for using excessive force during its three-week military offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Speaking en route to a humanitarian conference in Egypt, the prime minister demanded that Israel reopen Gaza's crossings and allow humanitarian workers full access to the territory.[231] The UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office wrote that "We supported the EU statement, which condemned Hamas rocket attacks and described Israeli military action as disproportionate." Peter Kilfoyle, a former Labour defence minister, accused Israel of "state-sponsored terrorism" and urged the government to "ensure no arms were exported to the country." Sir Menzies Campbell, the former Liberal Democrat leader, said "if any other democratic state had behaved in the same way, it would be faced with economic sanctions." British MP and former (shadow?) minister of labour, Sir Gerald Kaufman accused, "Olmert, Livni and Barak are mass murderers, war criminals and bring shame on the Jewish people whose Star of David they use as a badge in Gaza.", Chris Mullin, a former Foreign Office minister, said "These are war crimes that we are witnessing in Gaza." Britain should start talking with EU allies about sanctions and "at the very least to stop selling them weapons and, perhaps, the withdrawal of our ambassador".[232]

United States President George W. Bush initially focused blame for the conflict on Hamas, while reasserting the United States' support of Israel's right to protect itself.[233] The president also expressed concern for the people of Gaza and pledged millions of dollars of aid to the U.N. to help.[233] The United States support of Israel was tempered by President Bush's calls for Israel to consider humanitarian issues and, "to avoid civilian casualties as it targets Hamas in Gaza".[15][234][235] The United States supports a cease-fire, but blocked a United Nations Security Council Resolution calling for one,[18] stating that it will only support a plan that will end the rocket attacks into Israel, open the border crossings into Gaza, and deal with the network of smuggling tunnels leading into Gaza.[236] The Department of State declared that, "...any agreement needs to be durable, sustainable, and not limited by time." and has been working both inside and outside of the United Nations to achieve this goal.[236] On 10 January, the United States House of Representatives voted 390 to 5 with 22 abstaining in favor of a resolution "recognising Israel's right to defend itself against attacks from Gaza".[237]

Uruguay With the aim of "achieving a cease of fire in the Gaza Strip that puts an end to the loss of human lives in the region", the Uruguayan government hopes that both parties pledge to the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1860 and wishes that they "cease their military actions and, with the international community's support, start taking steps towards the goal of resuming in brief the peace process"[238]

Uzbekistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement saying that "Uzbekistan calls on the conflicting parties in Gaza to cease hostilities and resolve their differences through negotiation".[239]

Venezuela President Hugo Chávez expressed his solidarity with the Palestinian peoples and proposes "a massive campaign to condemn the violent actions [by Israel] where they try to annihilate the life expectancy of a whole race".[240] On January 5, Chavez called the violence "state terrorism", saying of the attacks "the Holocaust, that is what is happening right now in Gaza".[241] Chavez accused Israel of "flagrant violations of International Law" and stated that the Israeli Prime Minister and American President be tried at the International Criminal Court. Venezuela expelled Israel's ambassador to Venezuela and part of the embassy personnel, and Hugo Chávez called for Ehud Olmert to be tried for war crimes.[242][243]

On January 14, the Venezuelan government broke all diplomatic relations with Israel as a way of protest against the invasion of this country in the Gaza Strip.[244]