Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas (Photo: NDTV)

Abbas's spokesperson Nabil Abu Rudeinah said in a press statement published by the official Palestinian News Agency (WAFA) that the president urges the international community, particularly the UN, "to intervene and pressure Israel to stop its continued assault on our people in Gaza Strip, and to respect international law and legitimacy."

The statement warned against grave consequences of this escalation "in light of the ongoing tension and instability in the region."