The Maltese government has called on both parties to exercise restraint in Gaza, while expressing its regret with regard the collapse of humanitarian truce proposed in Gaza yesterday and the resumption of the Israele military operation in Gaza, and firing of rockets into Gaza.

In a press release, the government said, that while stopping the bloodshed is an immediate priority, this cannot happen in a vacuum.  Earlier on this week, Foreign Affairs Minister George Vella insisted that clear parameters defining the basis for negotiations are essential.

At a council meeting in Brussels, Dr Vella highlighted the severe psychological impact the ongoing military operation is leaving on thousands of civilians, particularly children, adding that a durable ceasefire can only be effective against a backdrop of resumed peace negotiations based on agreement on the borders of the two states.