On Thursday a rocket launched by the radical Islamic group Hamas destroyed a factory in the south of Israel. As a result an Israeli civilian was killed and another four wounded. Israel responded by launching an air strike, which left a Palestinian girl dead and ten other civilians injured.
"Moscow expresses deep concern over ongoing rocket attacks on Israeli towns, but also the disproportionate retaliatory measures made by the Israelis. We are sure that use of force is unproductive," the statement read.
The statement also said Russia supports Egypt in its mediation efforts and thinks that a ceasefire is the only reasonable step in the situation: "It would be in interests of all parties, to put an end to the suffering of peaceful Israeli and Palestinian people and would be good for achieving a long-term political settlement."
Israel has put restrictions on fuel supplies and deliveries of other essential goods to Gaza as part of an attempt to pressure Hamas to stop rocket attacks on Israeli border towns. The radical Islamic group seized control of the enclave from the pro-Palestinian presidential Fatah movement 12 months ago.
Israel's Security Cabinet is expected to convene on Sunday to discuss a possible ceasefire with Hamas under the mediation of Egypt. Another option being discussed by high-level Israeli officials, and one that look increasingly likely, is increasing military action in Gaza.
