PRETORIA - South Africa is calling for the immediate cessation of violence, restraint, and peace between Israel and Palestine.
Pretoria says the Middle East region is in desperate need of a credible peace process, and is calling on all sides to seize the opportunity for peace as opposed to violence.
On Saturday, Palestinian militant group Hamas launched a wave of rocket attacks and sent fighters into Israel in the biggest escalation in decades.
Israel responded with air strikes in Gaza.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the country that they are entering a "long and difficult war."
The Israeli government said it would cut off electricity, fuel and goods supplies to Gaza.
Hundreds are reported to be dead on both sides, with reports that a number of Israeli civilians and soldiers are being held hostage.
The Israeli army has asked residents of several areas of the Gaza Strip to flee their homes in preparation for revenge attacks against Hamas.
Major airlines have diverted and cancelled most flights to Israel.