The European Union (EU) on Wednesday criticized Israel for the killing of civilians in Gaza and asked for restraint from both sides of the conflict.

"The killing this morning of so many civilians in Gaza, including many children, is a profoundly shocking event. Israel has a right to defend itself, but not at the price of the lives of the innocent," said EU commissioner for external relations, Benita Ferrero-Waldner, in a statement.

"It is very important for all parties to exercise utmost restraint and limit themselves to actions which are proportionate and in accordance with international humanitarian law.

"At this critical juncture all sides have a responsibility to give dialogue a chance," she added.

Israeli tanks attacked a residential neighborhood in Beit Hanoun in northern Gaza early Wednesday, killing at least 18 people, including eight children.

In a separate statement, EU foreign policy and security chief Javier Solana deplored Israel's military action.

"It is high time to break the cycle of violence that I condemn in the strongest terms."

He said these military operations must be halted. "We must give a chance to the process of reconciliation between Palestinians. President (Mahmoud) Abbas must be fully supported in his efforts to form a new government."

The European Union hopes that the political forces engaged in the formation of a new Palestinian government will be able to resume their dialogue and succeed in their efforts to achieve reconciliation, he said.

He expressed his "sincere appreciation" of President Abbas's efforts to find a peaceful solution.

Finland, which holds the rotating EU presidency, said it is appalled at the continuing killing of civilians.

It called on Israel to end its military action in Gaza and on the Palestinians to stop firing rockets onto the Israeli side.

"The spiral of violence will only have serious consequences for the security and political situation in the region," it said in a statement.

It also appealed for calm and restraint on both sides and urged the Palestinians to continue their efforts to form a government of national unity.

Source: Xinhua