EU urges Israel and Gaza to de-esclate

European Union on Monday (local time) asked Israel and Gaza Strip to exercise "maximum restraint" and to "de-escalate" the situation in order to "protect the lives of Israeli and Palestinian civilians".

"The first priority for all must now be for de-escalation and maximum restraint, in order to re-establish calm and to protect the lives of Israeli and Palestinian civilians. The EU reiterates its full support to the efforts of Egypt and the UN to reduce tensions and to alleviate the situation for the people in Gaza," The Times of Israel quoted European Union spokesperson as saying.

EU also condemned the "rocket" attacks from Gaza and asked Hamas to "stop further violent actions or provocations."

"We wish a speedy recovery to those injured. Rocket attacks from Gaza and any other violent actions or provocations by Palestinian militants in Gaza must stop immediately. The European Union reiterates its fundamental commitment to the security of Israel," the statement further read.

The Israeli military on Monday confirmed that it has begun striking Hamas targets throughout Gaza.

Israel struck Gaza in response to the rocket which was allegedly fired from the Gaza Strip and struck a home in central Israel on Monday. Seven people were wounded in the attack. Israel has blamed Hamas for the attack.