The Jamaican Government says it’s dismayed at what it calls Israel’s disproportionate and indiscriminate use of force in the Gaza Strip conflict with Hamas, which is resulting in hundreds of deaths.

The latest data shows that the escalating crisis has claimed more than 600 Palestinian lives and with more than 3,700 persons injured.

Israel says 30 of its citizens have been killed in the past 14 days of fighting with the Palestinian organisation Hamas.

Jamaica’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Courtenay Rattray, made known the country’s position on the crisis at a UN Security Council debate on the situation, yesterday.

He said while Israel’s legitimate security concerns and right to self-defense are acknowledged, Jamaica condemns the targeting of civilian populations, which constitutes a blatant violation of international humanitarian law.

Israel’s military operation has been designed to limit Hamas’ ability to fire rockets into Israel, and to infiltrate Israeli territory.

Jamaica is also condemning the actions of Hamas and is calling for an urgent end to its sustained rocket attacks on Israeli cities and population centres.

Ambassador Rattray says the Security Council and the wider international community cannot remain a bystander to what he calls these tragic events.

He says the international community should focus on brokering an immediate deal to end hostilities, and bringing humanitarian relief to the thousands of people under siege on the Gaza Strip.

Meanwhile, air travel to Israel became the latest issue in the ongoing strife after the US and European airliners suspended flights into the country.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has urged Israel and the Palestinians to stop fighting and start talking to end the conflict in Gaza.

US Secretary of State John Kerry said a previous Egyptian plan should form the basis of a ceasefire.

However, there still remains no clear sign of a ceasefire.