(VOVworld) - Shuttle diplomacy is being promoted in the Middle East to reach for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip after Israel expanded its ground offensive across Gaza.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon on Saturday arrived in the Middle East to seek measures to stop violence in the Gaza Strip. EU member countries also expressed their concern over the escalating violence in the Gaza Strip, and called for a ceasefire. Italian Foreign Minister Federica Mogherini, EU’s foreign-policy chief had earlier visited Jordan and Egypt to discuss a ceasefire proposal. US president Barack Obama held a telephone conservation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday confirming Washington’s support for Israel’s self-defense right.  He also expressed his concern over the consequences of expanded conflicts in Gaza.