Foreign affairs minister condemns violence in Gaza and southern Israel

Foreign Affairs Minister Tonio Borg has condemned the escalation of violence in Gaza and southern Israel.

In a statement, Borg said he was "greatly shocked" by the loss of civilian lives suffered by Palestinians and Israelis.

"This resurgence of violence is a cause of grave concern to the international community and this loss of life is deeply regrettable," Borg said.

Borg's statement comes just half an hour after a rocket fired from the Gaza Strip landed in the water just south of Tel Aviv, according to foreign media.

Israeli police confirmed that warning sirens had gone off in Tel Aviv, while news of the warning and explosion were first reported on Twitter.

Borg added: "It is essential that both sides show maximum restraint and avoid further retaliatory action at this very sensitive juncture. The appalling violence against civilians and civilian centres is unacceptable."

The commissioner-designate insisted that all mediation efforts directed at ensuring that the violence is brought to an immediate halt should be supported.