ISLAMABAD, July 24: Pakistan on Wednesday condemned Israel’s missile attack on a thickly populated neighbourhood of Gaza City which resulted in the loss of 15 civilian lives, including those of nine children.

“The latest military attack constitutes a fresh provocation, and further aggravates the tense situation in the region,” a foreign office statement said.

“Israel’s deliberate policy of use of excessive force against the unarmed Palestinians amply demonstrates the implacable hostility of the extremist Israeli elements towards the Middle East peace process,” the FO said.

“Pakistan calls upon the international community to take immediate steps for ending Israel’s military campaign and its reoccupation of Palestinian-controlled areas, and to resume meaningful negotiations leading to a permanent peace in the area,” the statement added.