TAHSKENT, October 25. /TASS/. Israeli missile and airstrikes have effectively destroyed half of all residences in the Gaza Strip, leaving tens of thousands of Palestinians without shelter, says Palestinian Ambassador to Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan Javad Awad.

"Israel deliberately carries strikes at residential building; currently, almost 50% of residences in Gaza are destroyed, and [Israel] wants to destroy everything that remains. As a result, tens of thousands of Palestinians have been left without shelter," the envoy told TASS.

He called on the international community to stop Israel’s actions that cause civilian casualties in Gaza.

"The UN resolution must be implemented. Two states for two nations must be created. Israel must leave the occupied Palestinian land with the capital in East Jerusalem. This is our position and this is what must happen. I think, this is what will happen," Awad added.

The situation in the Middle East has escalated abruptly after an armed infiltration of HAMAS militant from the Gaza Strip into Israel. The HAMAS movement considers this attack a response to the actions of Israeli authorities towards the Al Aqsa Mosque at the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. Israel announced a complete blockade of the Gaza Strip and started carrying out strikes at the enclave and at certain areas of Lebanon and Syria. Clashes also take place in the West Bank.

Over 5,000 Palestinians have been killed with over 15,000 injured; up to 1,500 Israelis have been killed and over 4,500 have been injured.