Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Wednesday, July 24, 2002
UK Says Gaza Warplane Attack 'Unacceptable'
Britain said on Tuesday that Israel's Monday night airstrike on Gaza City, which caused serious casualties among civilians, was "unacceptable and counterproductive".
Britain said on Tuesday that Israel's Monday night airstrike on Gaza City, which caused serious casualties among civilians, was "unacceptable and counterproductive".
"The action taken last night which resulted in the deaths of eight children, among others, in a missile attack on Gaza is unacceptable and counterproductive. We extend our sympathy to the families of the children killed," a spokesman for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office said in a statement.
"With our partners in the international community, we will continue to work towards a two-state solution that brings a peace based on security for Israel and recognizes the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people," the spokesman said.
The spokesman noted that Britain recognized and understood Israel's need to take action against suspected suicide bombers andtheir accomplices, but added: "While Israel is entitled to take steps to protect itself from terrorist attack, such steps should be neither disproportionate nor excessive."
A dozen people including at least eight children were killed bythe Israeli warplane attack on an overcrowded neighborhood in the Gaza Strip.