It calls on all parties to exercise restraint and to ensure that civilians not taking a direct part in the fighting are spared.

The ICRC is dismayed by the ongoing rocket attacks on the town of Sderot and neighbouring areas in Israel. It stresses once again that both indiscriminate attacks – i.e. those not directed against specific military objectives – and the deliberate targeting of civilians are serious violations of international law that cannot be justified in any circumstance.

Within the Gaza Strip civilians not involved in the fighting are paying a heavy price for the spiralling violence and lawlessness, said Anthony Dalziel, head of the ICRC's sub-delegation in Gaza. "Bystanders have been killed and injured, and local residents, particularly in Gaza City, are virtually prisoners in their houses, afraid to go about their daily routines."

The ICRC reminds all parties involved in the fighting of the need to ensure that the civilian population is spared and that medical facilities and services are available to all who require them, be they civilians or injured fighters. Ambulances and medical facilities are clearly protected under international law and must not be targeted or used for belligerent purposes.

The ICRC also reminds all parties that extra-judicial killings and the abduction of civilians are strictly prohibited under international law.