CAIRO, Aug 2 (Aswat Masriya) – Egypt's Foreign Ministry condemned indiscriminate targeting of Gaza civilians after tens were killed following Israeli shelling of the southern Gaza town of Rafah, in a statement released on Friday.

"We urge Israel to end excessive and unjustified use of force against civilians and to abort all operations targeting them immediately," the statement demanded.

"Civilian targeting by Israel will only brew the existing hatred and halt all efforts to reach a peaceful and just settlement for both parties and fulfill legitimate demands of the Palestinians," the statement added.

The ministry also renewed its call to Israel to "abide by the rules of International Humanitarian Law and the Geneva Conventions, which clearly prohibit targeting civilians."

Israeli forces have resumed military operations in Gaza following the kidnap of one of its soldiers hours after both sides agreed to a humanitarian truce.

More than 50 Palestinians were killed in Rafah on Friday following the Israeli shelling, and a total of 1500 Palestinians were killed since Israel launched its attack on Gaza Strip on July 8th.