The European Union's Greek presidency has condemned the "indiscriminate use of force" by Israeli forces following a raid in which 11 Palestinians were killed and 140 were injured in Gaza.
The EU foreign policy chief, Mr Javier Solana, also made a plea for an end to the violence.
"The EU Presidency strongly deplores the indiscriminate use of force by the Israeli Defence Forces, which only fuels the vicious cycle of violence," the statement from Athens said.
"Whilst recognizing Israel's right to ensure security for its citizens, the EU Presidency calls the Israeli auhorities to do everything in their power to prevent further deaths of civilians," it said. "Terrorist acts and violence are not an alternative to the peace process."
It also urged both the Israeli government and the Palestinian Authority to "contribute constructively to the resumption of the political process."
Mr Solana, speaking at a news conference in Brussels, lamented recent civilian casualties in the 29-month-old Palestinian uprising, in which over 3,000 people have been killed.
"Too many civilians have been killed over the last few weeks and days and too little effort has been put into the peace process," he said. "Events of recent days bear witness to a new deterioration of the situation. This downward spiral must be stopped."
AFP
