Speaking about the attempted assassination of Hamas leader, Rantissi, Foreign Office Minister, Mike O'Brien, said:

'I am very concerned by the recent escalation in violence between Israel and the Palestinians in recent days, especially the attack launched by the Israeli Defence Force against Rantissi.

'We have always recognised Israel's right to protect its own security, and the urgent need to tackle terrorism. And we condemn the terrorist actions of Hamas and other groups against Israel. But the extra-judicial killings or the assassinations of Palestinian militants undermine the prospect of a peaceful settlement.

'I regret the loss of civilian life in these attacks, and offer my sympathies to the relatives and friends of those killed and injured.

'I urge all parties to do all they can to prevent further bloodshed on both sides and give the Roadmap a chance by taking forward the commitments made in Aqaba.'