In quotes: Reaction to Israel tension

World figures react to the growing tension between Israel and the Palestinians over the capture of an Israeli soldier by Gaza militants. Israel has detained dozens of Palestinian legislators, including eight ministers of the Hamas-led government.

Kofi Annan, United Nations Secretary General

Of course it is understandable that they [the Israelis] would want to go after those who kidnapped their soldier but it has to be done in such a way that civilian populations are not made to suffer...

We need to be very careful, not only not to escalate, but not to expand the area of conflict.

Condoleezza Rice, US Secretary of State

This crisis of course just underscores the need to have all parties, all Palestinian parties, work for an end to terrorist activities. We also called on the Palestinian government and other parties to secure the release of the Israeli soldier.

We are asking Israel to exercise restraint in this circumstance, because with restraint perhaps we can get back to a place where there can be hopes again for a peace process.

G8 foreign ministers' statement

We call on Israel to exercise utmost restraint in the current crisis.

The detention of elected members of the Palestinian government and legislature raises particular concerns.

Mikhail Kamynin, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson

The right and duty of the government of Israel to defend the lives and security of its citizens are beyond doubt.

But this should not be done at the cost of the lives of many lives and many Palestinian civilians, by massive military strikes with heavy consequences for the civilian population.

Pope Benedict XVI

I pray that every person kidnapped be quickly returned to their loved ones.

I call on Israeli and Palestinian leaders so that, with the generous contribution of the international community, they responsibly seek the negotiated settlement of the conflict which alone can assure the peace sought by their people.

European Union ambassadors' statement

The EU remains deeply concerned about the worsening security and humanitarian developments.