Germany's Baerbock calls for restraint after Israeli strikes on Gaza

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock called for restraint following Israel's wave of airstrikes on the Gaza Strip on Tuesday.

"The end of the ceasefire in Gaza, triggered by heavy Israeli attacks, is deeply concerning," said Baerbock in Berlin.

"Fleeing children and internally displaced people, covered in blood, should never be used as leverage in negotiations. I want to stress: international law mandates the principle of proportionality, even in self-defence."

Baerbock urged all parties to comply with international humanitarian law and called for immediate talks to resume on the second phase of the ceasefire and the further release of hostages.

She also urged the Unites States, in particular, to leverage its influence to help resolve the situation.

Overnight, the Israeli military launched a punishing wave of airstrikes on Gaza, in which at least 404 people were reportedly killed, marking the first such attacks since a ceasefire began two months ago.