Japanese Foreign Minister Hirofumi Nakasone on Friday denounced Israel's attacks on UN facilities in Gaza Strip, urging an immediate ceasefire between the two sides.

"We condemn the attacks by the Israeli forces, which have damaged UN-related facilities and hospitals," Nakasone was quoted as saying at a press conference.

Japan strongly deplores that the number of civilian victims continues to increase despite the UN Security Council Resolution1860, he said.

Japan is willing to work with all parties concerned to seek an end to the hostilities.

Israeli shells hit the UN facilities during its attacks in the Gaza Strip on Thursday, wounding at least three people.

(Xinhua News Agency January 16, 2009)