Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Seoul (Yonhap

South Korea on Thursday expressed "deep concern" over Israel's recent military operation in the southern Gaza Strip, calling for relevant parties to protect civilians.

"The government of the Republic of Korea expresses its deep concern over the recent Israeli military operation and its additional plan in Rafah in the Gaza Strip, where approximately 1.4 million people are sheltering," the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

Rafah, which lies in the southern Gaza Strip, borders Egypt and serves as a major gateway for international aid. Israel recently carried out attacks on Rafah, resulting in casualties.

South Korea urges all parties in the Israel-Hamas armed conflict to protect civilians under international law and fully implement resolutions of the United Nations Security Council, the statement said.

South Korea will continue to collaborate with the international community to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza, it added.