New Delhi, February 12, 2008 (WAFA) - India has condemned the use of force and called upon all sides including Israel to exercise restraint.

"India has followed recent events in Gaza and the West Bank with deep concern and anguish. The misery and hardship faced by the people of Palestine, especially in the Gaza Strip, is deplorable. India condemns the use of force on the civilian population of Palestine and calls upon all sides, including Israel, to exercise restraint, said an official statement issued by the Indian External Affairs Ministry.

"The time to act is now with trust and understanding for a new beginning of hope and fulfillment, and an end to violence. It is imperative that normalcy be restored expeditiously so that the aspirations of the peoples in the region are realized."

In addition to the assistance already delivered by India to the people of Palestine, reads the statement, we stand ready to extend additional assistance to help the people of Palestine to overcome the suffering they are facing now.

The statement added that a package of such assistance is being worked out and will be announced shortly.