Canada on Friday expressed concern about the escalating violence in Gaza and urged all sides to act with restraint.

"Canada is concerned about the escalation in violence and urges all sides to act with restraint and take all measures possible to protect innocent civilian lives and reduce tensions," Foreign Minister Peter MacKay and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency said in a statement.

"Canada reiterates its commitment to a negotiated, comprehensive and lasting settlement in the Middle East," said the statement.

Israel sent army into the southern Gaza Strip Wednesday in a broad ground operation to rescue an Israeli soldier kidnapped by Palestinian militants.

It is the first massive Israeli ground offensive in Gaza since it withdrew troops and settlers from the territory last summer after 38 years of occupation.

Source: Xinhua