SINGAPORE : Singapore's Foreign Affairs Ministry has described the start of Israeli ground operations in Gaza as an extremely disturbing development.

A ministry spokesman said in a statement that the assault can only exacerbate the already grave humanitarian situation.

He said that Singapore reiterates its call of December 29 for maximum restraint by all parties and hopes that an immediate ceasefire can be agreed on so that urgent humanitarian concerns can be addressed.

The spokesman added that a ceasefire 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 people. - CNA/ms

• S'pore urges all parties in Gaza conflict to work towards ceasefire • Israeli troops invade Gaza, battle with Hamas fighters • UN Security Council fails to agree on Gaza ceasefire call • UN chief calls for immediate end to Israel's ground offensive