ASTANA, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Kazakhstan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement Thursday, expressing its deep concern over the exacerbation of crisis in Gaza Strip, which entailed the deaths of innocent civilians.

"Further escalation of violence will result in a destabilization of the situation in the Middle East, and also will blow up efforts of the conflicting parties and the whole international community which are focused on long-term peace making and regional stability," said the statement.

"We call on Israelis and Palestinians to take urgent and effective measures to stop bloodshed and resume peace negotiations, " it added.

The statement said Kazakhstan supports the initiative and agreed-upon steps of the international community, including those under the aegis of the United Nations on resolving long-term conflict.

Israel launched operation "Protective Edge" in the Gaza Strip this month, in an effort to end the rocket attacks and undermine the military capabilities of Hamas. It first launched remote air strikes, then a ground invasion into the Gaza Strip, killing hundreds in Gaza.