Israel started a ground operation in Gaza Saturday to prevent attacks on its territory. The invasion was preceded by a week of aerial bombardment, which left over 400 Palestinians dead and more than 2,000 wounded.
"It is necessary to immediately stop the suffering of civilians on both sides, stop the bloodshed while ensuring a mutual ceasefire. Russia will keep actively pressing for it in contacts with all interested sides, in the UN Security Council and the Middle East Quartet," spokesman Andrei Nesterenko said.
Israel's controversial bombing campaign destroyed more than 750 facilities in the Islamist movement Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip, which according to Israel were connected to terrorist activities.
In response Palestinian militants launched 500 rockets on Israeli border towns killing several people.
