JAPAN, May 22, 2007, (WAFA)-The government of Japan expressed its deep concern over the current situation in the Gaza Strip, calling on Israel to avoid any damage to the lives of the innocent Palestinians and basic infrastructure.

In a press release issued Monday, it said that such situation threatens the lives of many Israeli and Palestinian people who long for peace to resolve the Palestinian issue based on two-state solution.

The government of Japan called on both sides to exercise their utmost self-restraint to prevent further worsening of the situation.

"Japan will continue engage proactively in the efforts for early resumption of the Middle East peace process, and to support the efforts of President Mahmoud Abbas to overcome the infighting among the Palestinians and to achieve peace with Israel," according to the press release.

M.H.(13:40 P)(10:40 GMT)