"We deeply regret the civilian casualties that occured today in Gaza and we urge the Israeli government to take all appropriate precautions to prevent the death or injury of innocent civilians and damage to civilian and humnitarian infrastructures," said a State Department spokeswoman, Joanne Moore.

"Israel has the right to self-defense in response to ongoing terrorism," the spokeswoman added. "There can be no excuse for the violence and terrorist attackes the Israeli people have been forced to endure."

"The Palestinians have to do their part against those who commit crimes of terrorism," she added.

"The events underscore the need for the two sides to begin working with each other," Moore said.

A Palestinian was killed late Thursday by Israeli soldiers after the man tried to infiltrate the northern West Bank settlement of Hermesh, military sources said.

An Israeli patrol discovered the man, who opened fire with an assault rifle before fleeing. Soldiers caught up with him and shot him dead in a gunfight, the sources said.

It brought to 15 the number of Palestinians killed Thursday in clashes with Israeli troops.

SPACE.WIRE