The European Union (EU) on Sunday rebuked Israel over its attack on the southern Lebanese village of Qana which killed at least 51 Lebanese, including 22 children.

"Israel's attack on the city of Qana means an escalation of violence that is unjustifiable at a time when the international community is jointly working to find a solution to the conflict," Benita Ferrero-Waldner, EU Commissioner for External relations and European neighborhood policy said in a statement.

"Immediate cessation of violence and hostilities is now more important than ever. The killings of innocent people, particularly of children, must stop now," she added.

The Commissioner said that the EU keeps supporting U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan in his efforts and approach to peace and calls on all sides to restrain from further violence.

At least 51 Lebanese, including 22 children, were killed in an Israeli air raid on the village of Qana Sunday morning, the deadliest single Israeli attack since the conflict began 19 days ago.

Source: Xinhua