The Standing Committee on Foreign and European Affairs in the Maltese Parliament has "expressed its grave concern about the escalation of tensions in Israel and Gaza following the terroristic attacks committed by Hamas."

The Committee "unequivocally and categorically condemns the coordinated terror attacks by Hamas which have led to the loss of innocent civilian life of so many, including children"

Such terroristic attacks are a blatant violation of international law, it said. "These acts of terror, together with the indiscriminate barrage of rockets into Israel are deplorable and completely unjustifiable."

"They must cease immediately."

The Committee said that it is "equally concerned about the well-being of civilians, including women and children, particularly Israeli civilians who were abducted by Hamas and taken into Gaza. We call on the immediate and unconditional safe release of all hostages."

"This Committee reiterates Israel's right to defend its territory and its people. This right should however be exercised within the remit of international law."

"We express our grave concern on the present situation on Gaza where indiscriminate attacks and actions are creating innocent victims caught in this conflict. We ask that Israel abide to the rules of International Law and demand the international community and all those with an influence in the conflict to mobilize all efforts towards the finding of a peaceful solution to this grave situation developing around us," it said.

During a committee meeting held on Thursday, Foreign Affairs Minister Ian Borg said of the situation that "the levels of violence are not the solution. We (the government) believe a political solution is needed."

He said that over the years, Malta always worked for there to be a political resolution for this conflict, a two state solution, based on frontiers of 1967.

The Maltese government, he said, remains of the understanding that this conflict can only be solved by having two states that can live together in peace.

Malta has an Ambassador in Tel Aviv and a representative in Ramallah, he had said. "The government was in contact with Maltese who were present." He mentioned that seven flew back to Malta. "The flights and airlines flying there have drastically reduced and there are few connections left due to what happened, and it seems that right now, there are no more Maltese who are ready to leave," he said, in reference to "Maltese who possibly could be there."