INT'L CRITICISM AGAINST ISRAELI AGGRESSION

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called, for an immediate halt of violence, and condemned excessive use of force leading to civilian casualties.
Ban said, in a statement issued by his spokesperson, that he is 'deeply alarmed' by the heavy violence and bloodshed in Gaza , and the continuation of violence in southern Israel , and called for 'an immediate halt to all violence.'
Meanwhile, the British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, said that he is 'deeply concerned' over the Israeli air strikes that have killed more than 225 Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip.
Israel needs to meet its humanitarian obligations, act in a way to further the long-term vision of a two-state solution, and do everything in its power to avoid civilian casualties,' said the prime minister.
Russia considered it necessary to stop large-scale military action against Gaza, which has already led to major casualties and suffering among the civilian Palestinian population, according to a statement by Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Middle East envoy Tony Blair deplored the 'tragic of loss of life', and urged a 'new strategy for Gaza , which brings that Territory back under the legitimate rule of the Palestinian Authority in a manner which ends their suffering.'Joining a chorus of international criticism against Israeli military offensive in the Gaza Strip, Switzerland condemned Saturday's attacks on Gaza City and described it as 'excessive.'