British Foreign Secretary William Hague said on Saturday he was \"extremely concerned\" about the loss of life in Gaza, as the Israeli offensive against the besieged Gaza strip enters its sixth day.

British Foreign Secretary William Hague said on Saturday he was "extremely concerned" about the loss of life in Gaza, as the Israeli offensive against the besieged Gaza strip enters its sixth day.

"Extremely concerned about humanitarian situation and loss of life in Gaza. Speaking to President Abbas today," Hague said on Twitter.

The Foreign Office confirmed the tweet and said that a fuller statement would be issued later.

Earlier on Wednesday, British Prime Minister David Cameron spoke to Israeli president Benjamin Netanyahu to show "staunch support" and "underlined Israel's right to defend itself from them", his Downing Street office said.

Diplomatic efforts to stop the violence have also seen US President Barack Obama telephoning Netanyahu and Washington offering to use its relationships in the Middle East to bring about a return to calm.

Despite international concern, truce efforts have been unsuccessful, according to Egypt, which has been key in mediating previous ceasefires between resistance movements and the Zionist entity.