"Hamas must end its terrorist activities if it wishes to play a role in the future of the Palestinian people. The United States urges Israel to avoid civilian casualties as it targets Hamas in Gaza."
White House spokesman Gordon Johndroe

"We are very concerned at the events in Gaza. We call for an immediate ceasefire and urge everybody to exert maximum restraint."
EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana

"We are facing a continuing spectacle which has been carefully planned. We face a major humanitarian catastrophe."
Arab League secretary-general Amr Moussa

"Egypt condemns the Israeli attacks."
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak

"It is shock treatment aimed at securing a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas on terms favourable to Israel."
Ron Ben-Yishai, Israeli military analyst