Portuguese Foreign Ministry on Sunday called on Israel and the Palestinians to work for a solution to their conflicts and stop fighting in the Gaza Strip.
It made the call one day after Israel began its ground operation in Gaza.
"Portugal appeals one more time for ending the conflict and the worsening humanitarian situation," the ministry said, "the Portuguese government follows up, with great concerns, the situation in Middle East, mainly due to the (Israeli) ground military operation in Gaza."
The ministry reaffirmed its position in a statement on Dec. 29, in which it said "we can not stop regretting the violent acts that have killed uncountable people and condemning the missiles launched in Gaza and the Israeli military operations."
It is important to immediately implement the ceasefire, resume dialogue and facilitate humanitarian aid to the affected people, it said.