1. The Government of the Republic of Korea expresses its deep concerns over the rapidly worsening situation in the Gaza Strip and the sharp increase in the number of innocent civilians being sacrificed since last weekend. The ROK government once again urges all the parties concerned to make maximum efforts to prevent any further sacrifices of civilians.

2. The Government of the Republic of Korea strongly calls on all the parties concerned to respond positively to the mediation efforts made by countries in the region including Egypt as well as U.N. and immediately agree to a ceasefire.

3. The Government of the Republic of Korea, by extending contribution to the relevant UN body, will join international efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. 


                 Spokesperson and Deputy Minister for Public Relations of MOFA

* unofficial translation