InsideJapan News Network

Japan has strongly condemned a Israeli military attack that badly damaged UN relief aid compound.

Around 700 people were sheltering in the building when it was struck by rocket shells and caught fire.

Foreign minister Hirofumi Nakasone, commented: "Japan strongly deplores the increasing number of civilian casualties in spite of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1860."

Earlier this week, the Japanese government sent its special envoy for the Middle East Tatsuo Arima to the region to call for an immediate ceasefire.

British premier Gordon Brown condemned the attack as "indefensible".

Recently, medical sources reported that the death toll has now exceeded the 1,000 mark.

Bolivian president Evo Morales has broken off diplomatic relations with Israeli because of what he describes as a "genocide".

Israel began its offensive in Gaza following Hamas-orchestrated rocket attacks.

Speculation is growing that a ceasefire may be imminent.