MOSCOW, March 18 (Xinhua) -- Russia deeply regrets the resumption of Israel's military operation in the Gaza Strip, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Tuesday.
"Russia strongly condemns any actions that lead to the death of civilians and the destruction of social infrastructure," the ministry said in a statement.
Moscow calls on the Israeli and Palestinian sides to return to the negotiation process, the ministry said.
Israel launched its most intense strikes overnight since a ceasefire took effect on Jan. 19. Gaza's health authorities reported that over 400 people, including many children, had been killed. The toll is expected to rise as rescue workers search for victims under the rubble. ■
