In response to media queries to reports that Israeli ground operations in the Gaza had begun, the MFA Spokesman said :
"This is an extremely disturbing development. It can only exacerbate the already grave humanitarian situation. We would like to reiterate our call of 29 December 2008 for maximum restraint by all parties. We hope that an immediate cease-fire can be agreed so that urgent humanitarian concerns can be addressed. A cease-fire should also be the first step in a process to ensure that the events that had led to the current situation will not be repeated and to establish a stable modus vivendi in Gaza that is in the best long term interests of both the Palestinian and Israeli peoples. "
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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
4 JANUARY 2009