The Namibian Government in a statement issued yesterday strongly condemned the killing of 87 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip in aerial bombardments by the Israeli air force.

Israel has in recent days used disproportionate force by bombarding mainly residential areas in Gaza, killing dozens of unarmed Palestinians most of them women and children.

The government says the violent attacks on the people of Palestine by Israel are an unacceptable display of intolerance and disregard for the long-suffering people in the Middle East.

"The assault of the Israeli Defense Force on the Gaza Strip calls into question the commitment of the Israeli government to finding a lasting and peaceful solution in the already volatile region of the Middle East," read the statement issued by the foreign ministry.

The Namibian Government appeals to both Palestine and Israel to refrain from inciting further violence that has led to the loss of so many lives and continues to traumatize many children in both countries, further breeding a culture of intolerance and hate.

"Namibia reaffirms its full support to the people of Palestine to find a peaceful negotiated solution to the almost 65 years of oppression and humiliation by Israel, and to achieve their inalienable right to national self-determination and independence," the statement concluded.

Going into the sixth day of the Israeli assault, 87 people have been killed in the Gaza Strip. Sunday was the bloodiest day of the Israeli bombing campaign, with 29 deaths.

Reports indicate that only three Israeli citizens have been killed, while 50 others have been injured by rocket fire since Wednesday last week.