India [ Images ] tonight called for an immediate end to the use of force by Israel against Palestinian civilians in Gaza strip, which has led to a large number of casualties there.

"The government of India has been closely monitoring developments that have been unfolding in Gaza strip. While India is aware of cross-border provocations resulting from rocket attacks particularly against targets in southern Israel, it urges an immediate end to use of force against Palestinian civilians in Gaza strip that has resulted in large number of casualties", External Affairs Ministry spokesman Vishnu [ Images ] Prakash said.

"India hopes that the ongoing efforts within the region to restore peace would be supported," he said.