The European Union's current presidency Finland on Saturday expressed its deep concern about increased violence in Gaza and deplored the growing number of civilian casualties the Israeli military operation has caused.

The statement said that the right of all states to defend themselves does not justify disproportionate use of violence or actions which are contrary to international humanitarian law.

The Presidency also called on the Palestinian militants to stop the firing of rockets on Israeli territory.

Violence will only aggravate an already grave situation in the region where a return to the peace process is urgently needed, the statement added.

The Israeli army has intensified its ground and air offensive on the Gaza Strip since Wednesday morning, killing at least 44 Palestinians and wounding more than 150 others.

The Israeli military explained that the aim of the offensive is to prevent Palestinian militants from launching homemade rockets at Israel.

Source: Xinhua