ANKARA
Turkey's main opposition party condemned Israel's bombing of civilian areas in the Gaza strip, saying its actions were unacceptable.
The Republican People's Party's remarks came after Israeli forces launched a large-scale military offensive on the Gaza strip late Monday.
Party Deputy Chairman Faruk Logoglu said in a written statement Friday that the party is concerned about the latest developments in Gaza.
"We find the collective punishment way of Israel contrary to law and humanity, and we unconditionally condemn the operations directed at civilians, particularly women and children," said Logoglu, who also called for calm between the conflicting sides.
On Thursday, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon warned of the risk of "an all-out escalation" of the conflict in Gaza.
Since late Monday, Israeli warplanes have pounded the Gaza Strip as part of a military offensive dubbed "Operation Protective Edge," with the stated aim of ending rocket fire from Gaza.
At least 100 Palestinians – mostly civilians – have been killed and hundreds injured in the offensive against the Gaza Strip that began late Monday night, according to reports by the Palestinian Health Ministry.
The latest escalations follow the disappearance and death of three teenage Jewish settlers in the West Bank last month and the subsequent murder by Jewish extremists of a 16-year-old Palestinian boy.
www.aa.com.tr/en
