Croatia's Foreign Ministry on Friday condemned missile attacks on Israel from Gaza and called for an end to violence.

“The escalation of violence in Gaza, in which people have been killed and injured, gives cause for great concern. We condemn in the strongest terms the launching of massive missile attacks into Israel from Gaza and call for an end to violence. Such acts that endanger the lives of innocent civilians are unjustifiable,” the ministry said in a press release.

Twenty rockets were intercepted by Israel’s Iron Dome aerial defence system, while most others landed in open fields in southern Israel.

Three people were taken to the hospital with light to moderate injuries when four rockets landed in Sderot adjacent to Gaza, a spokesman for Magen David Adom, Israel’s emergency response service, said.

“Croatia fully supports Israel’s right to defend itself and its security and take proportionate actions to respond to such attacks,” the ministry added.

Following the rocket launches, the Israeli air force struck more than 140 military targets across 20 sites in Gaza, including a factory for manufacturing facilities, training complexes, a maritime tunnel shaft, and other sites, according to the IDF.

“It is now crucial to work towards de-escalation to avoid further casualties and respond to the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.

Restraint and respect of the ceasefire that reportedly came into effect last night are important elements to this end,” they said.

“Croatia remains committed to supporting all efforts aimed at preventing further aggravation of the situation, finding the way out of the crisis and creating perspectives for lasting peace and security,” the ministry added.

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