UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan has voiced concern about stepped up violence between Israelis and Palestinians and repeated his call on all parties to protect civilians in accordance with the international law.

Annan "is gravely concerned about the escalation of Israeli Defense Forces military operations in the past days, especially in Nablus and Gaza, which have resulted in a number of Palestinian deaths," a spokesman for Annan said in a statement released Saturday, adding that civilians were reportedly among the casualties.

Through the spokesman, the secretary-general also expressed concern about a "marked increase in rocket attacks by Palestinian militants against Israeli targets."

Annan renewed his call to all parties to the conflict to abide by their obligations under international law, "and in particular to ensure the protection of the civilian population, both Palestinian and Israeli," the spokesman said.

Six Palestinians have been killed after the Israeli army started an operation in the West Bank city of Nablus last Saturday. Two more were shot dead by the Israeli army in the Gaza Strip Thursday night. Palestinian President Abbas has called for international pressure to rein in Israel.

Source: Xinhua