Saturday, July 8 2006 14:16 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

United Nations: UN Secretary General Kofi Annan called on all parties in the recent conflict in Gaza to refrain from any further violent actions to save the lives of all civilians in the region.

He urged Israel to stop immediately its 'disproportionate use of force', which has already killed and wounded many civilians, and called for the release of Israeli Army Corporal Gilad Shalit.

"These measures are an absolute prerequisite for defusing the tensions which are escalating every day," he said.

He reminded both sides of their responsibilities under international humanitarian law, and urged them to refrain from any attack, which may cause loss of civilian life and property. The situation on the Palestinian front worsened recently as Israel launched the "Summer Rain" military operation in the Gaza Strip after Palestinian militants kidnapped Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit in a cross-border raid on June 25.

Meanwhile, the US also urged Israel and Palestine to exercise restraint.

"There is no question that Israel has a right to defend itself and the lives of its citizens. But we also urge the Israeli government to ensure that innocent civilians are not harmed, to exercise restraint and to refrain from adversely affecting the Palestinian humanitarian situation," said State Department spokesperson Julie Reside.

Reside also called for the immediate and unconditional release of the kidnapped Israeli soldier by the Palestinian extremists.

Israeli air and ground operations against the Palestinians continued in Gaza Friday, and six Palestinians were killed and 10 injured. An Israeli soldier was also killed in the fighting.