French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy on Tuesday urged Israel to show restraint and stop its offensive in the Gaza Strip, fearing that Israel's military action could radicalize the palestinians.

"I fear that all this will culminate in the radicalization of the Palestinian population and then, unfortunately, to the non-recognition of Israel by the Palestinians," he told the LCI television.

He condemned the "spiral of violence" on both sides. "Diplomacy must take the place of violence," he said.

The French government is making efforts to secure the release of the kidnapped Israeli soldier, Gilad Shalit, who has dual Israeli-French citizenship, the foreign minister said.

Palestinian militants on Monday gave Israel 24 hours to begin releasing about 1,500 Palestinian prisoners, implying that Shalit could otherwise be killed.

The Israeli government, however, has ignored the deadline and rejected any negotiations with the militants, as the Israeli army pressed ahead with its Gaza offensive.

Source: Xinhua