'Root causes' of Israel, Hamas conflict must be addressed - Amnesty International
Amnesty International South Africa is calling for the civilian bloodshed to stop as Palestinian homes continue to be bombed by Israeli forces in Gaza.
The human rights group has urged both sides to protect the lives of civilians.
Israel, reeling from Hamas's surprise ground, air and sea attacks, has counted 900 dead and launched a barrage of strikes on Gaza that have raised the death toll there to 687.
Amnesty's Genevieve Quintal says the international community needs to intervene.
"The root causes of these repeated cycles of violence must be addressed as a matter of urgency. This requires upholding international law and ending Israel's sixteen-long illegal blockade on Gaza and all aspects of Israel's system of apartheid imposed on all Palestinians."
Meanwhile, the leaders of the US, France, Germany, Italy and Britain have pledged in a joint statement to support Israel.
Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler had also told Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas that he's working to prevent an expansion of the conflict.
