Pope urges moderation in Gaza conflict

VATICAN CITY, May 20 (Reuters) Pope Benedict called on Israel to act with moderation and Palestinians to halt violence as he deplored a ''bloody deterioration'' in the Gaza Strip today.

The Pontiff also called on the international community to step up efforts for a negotiated settlement.

''Once more, in the name of God, I beg that this tragic violence is put to an end,'' the Pontiff said, addressing thousands of people gathered in St. Peter's Square.

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert today threatened stronger Israeli military action in the Gaza Strip unless Hamas ceased its rocket attacks on southern Israel.

The Pope lamented the turmoil caused by the rocket fire against Israeli cities and the Israeli military response, as well as fierce internal fighting in Gaza between Hamas Islamists and the secular Fatah faction.

At least 49 Palestinians have been killed in the factional battles.

''I appeal to the sense of responsibility of all of the Palestinian authorities so that, through dialogue ... (they neutralise) the violent actors,'' the Pope said.

''I invite the Israeli government to (exercise) moderation and urge the international community to multiply efforts toward restarting dialogue.'' The Pope also offered his prayers for Israelis and Palestinians affected by the violence.

Israel has moved an undisclosed number of tanks, armoured vehicles and ground forces into areas just inside the Gaza border, raising Palestinian fears of a wider offensive into the territory Israeli settlers and soldiers quit in 2005.

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