Gaza violence unacceptable : India

New Delhi, Mar 1 (UNI) India today described as ''unacceptable'' the continuing violence in Occupied Palestine and called for an end to it to ensure that focus is not lost on conflict resoluton through dialogue.

The External Affairs Ministry, in a statement, said the Government of India was ''dismayed'' at the continuing violence in Occupied Palestine, particularly in the Gaza Strip.

''Events this week, including the disproportionate use of retaliatory force, have led to avoidable civilian casualties, including the death of innocent children. This is unacceptable,'' the statement said.

The statement strongly called for an immediate end to the cycle of violence by all parties concerned so that the focus is not lost on the process of dialogue-driven conflict resolution.

At least 35 people, including about 17 civilians, died in battles between Israeli troops and Palestinians today, fuelling threats to suspend peace talks.

The violence was sparked by Israeli threats to launch an invasion of Gaza.

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