US hopeful to find magic formula to end Gaza violence: Kerry

Stating that the US is working hard at trying to deal with the Middle East crisis, Secretary of State John Kerry has expressed hope of finding a "magic formula" to bring an end to the violence in Gaza.

"We are still working hard at trying to deal with the issue of the crisis in the Middle East. We want to be able to find a way to get to a table to discuss the underlying issues which are real and impactful on everybody and on the region," said Kerry.

Kerry has just returned from the Middle East and from Paris, where he had a series of discussions aimed at de-escalating the conflict, ending the rocket and tunnel attacks against Israeli civilians, and easing the suffering of innocent people in Gaza, in Israel, and in the West Bank.

"We hope to be able to find the magic formula by which the violence could cease for a long enough period of time to try to find that sustainable ceasefire which could allow you to move on from there. The region has known violence for far too long," he said.

"Too many innocent people caught in the crossfire, too many lives ruptured, and so it is imperative for all of us in positions of responsibility to do everything we can to try to find a diplomatic way, a peaceful way forward if possible," Kerry said.

Earlier in the day, Kerry told reporters that the US believes the momentum generated by a humanitarian ceasefire is the best way to be able to begin to negotiate and put in place a sustainable ceasefire.

"But it is important to try to build, to begin, and to move in a process, and that's what we're trying to achieve. That is the only way, ultimately, this conflict is going to be resolved," he said.

"Hopefully, if we can make some progress, the people in this region, who deserve peace, can take one step towards that elusive goal by stopping the violence which catches innocents on all sides in the crossfire, and begin to try to build a sustainable way forward," he said.

"We also believe that any process to resolve the crisis in Gaza in a lasting and meaningful way must lead to the disarmament of Hamas and all terrorist groups. And we will work closely with Israel and regional partners and the international community in support of this goal," Kerry said.