The foreign ministry has expressed deep concerns over rising civilian casualties in the worsening Israel-Hamas conflict and urged related countries to take steps to protect their civilians.

In a statement issued on Monday, the ministry expressed hope that the armed conflict will swiftly cease and bring an end to casualties, adding that South Korea will work with the international community to that end.

Strongly urging related parties to take steps to protect civilians in accordance with international humanitarian laws, the ministry said it hopes all related parties will make efforts to ensure the smooth provision of humanitarian aid to civilians affected by the war.

Seoul has vowed to provide two million dollars in humanitarian aid via international organizations.