South African ruling African National Congress (ANC) Sunday joined many across the world in condemning the Israeli airstrike on the Lebanese village of Qana, which killed at least 50 people, most of whom were children.

The party said in the statement: "This latest atrocity on a civilian population demonstrates the urgency of an immediate ceasefire and the peaceful resolution of hostilities."

The ANC said it was gravely concerned about the catastrophic humanitarian crisis in Gaza and Lebanon.

"The ANC reiterates the call of its National Executive Committee (NEC) last weekend for a negotiated solution of the Israeli and Palestinian prisoner issue," it added.

It also called on the UN Security Council to discharge its responsibilities and act with urgency to enforce an immediate ceasefire.

"The UN, on the basis of its various resolutions, should seek a peaceful comprehensive solution for the violence," the ANC said.

Source: Xinhua