The Caribbean Community, CARICOM, says its deeply concerned about the escalating violence between Israel and the Palestinian territory of Gaza.
The regional body is also condemning the killing of three Israeli teenagers and the revenge killing of a young Palestinian.
It says its saddened by the resulting Israeli bombardment of Gaza and the firing of Palestinian rockets targeting Israeli cities.
CARICOM says of particular concern is the mounting toll of innocent Palestinian civilians and the widespread destruction of homes and property in Gaza.
Its calling on both sides to show restraint and to heed the calls for a ceasefire to prevent further escalation of the violence, death and destruction.
The CARICOM is also reiterating that only good faith negotiations between the sides involved can lead to a resolution of this long-standing conflict.
