German Minister : bombing civilians and civilian installations completely unacceptable

German deputy foreign minister, Gernot Erler called for a truce in the Near East amid Israel's escalating military attacks in Lebanon and Gaza, saying the world community had no chance to intervene in the ongoing conflict.

"There is no other solution than a ceasefire," Erler told German radio Deutschlandfunk today.

He added a truce could be followed up by possible negotiations in which the western community could ensure that the talks are held "in a free and fair" manner and take also into account the interests of all sides.

Israel has faced international condemnation and outrage over its brutal military assaults in Lebanon and Gaza. German Development Aid Minister Heidemarie Wieczorek-Zeul over the weekend condemned Israel's military onslaught in Lebanon and Gaza as "completely unacceptable."

"To bomb civilian installations and civilians in another state is completely unacceptable in terms of international law," she was quoted as saying.