European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton "strongly condemned" Thursday’s mortar and rocket attacks out of the Gaza strip and expressed "deep concern" at the current escalation of violence.
In a statement issued Friday morning, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy said: “" strongly condemn yesterday's mortar and rocket attacks out of the Gaza strip, which once again hit the innocent civilian population and which must stop immediately."
"I also deplore the loss of civilian life in Gaza and call on Israel to show restraint," she added.
"The lives of civilians must be spared everywhere and in all circumstances. Only an immediate cessation of all violence can bring back the calm necessary to allow for a lasting truce in the Gaza strip."
An anti-tank missile hit an Israeli school bus in southern Israel on Thursday, critically wounding a 16-year-old boy and seriously injuring the driver. The attack occurred outside Kibbutz Sa’ad.
Shortly afterwards, another 15 mortar rounds landed in southern Israel.
Israel responded by shelling two separate areas in Gaza.