Israel should not use disproportionate force to defend itself against Palestinian militants, European Union President Finland said Sunday, criticizing growing civilian casualties in fighting in the Gaza Strip.

Finland also called on the Palestinian leadership to stop militants firing rockets into Israel, acts which have prompted Israel's largest operation since the army and settlers pulled out of Gaza in 2005, after 38 years of ccupation.

"The Presidency deplores the growing number of civilian casualties the Israeli military operation has caused," Finland said in a statement.

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"The right of all states to defend themselves does not justify disproportionate use of violence or actions which are contrary to international humanitarian law."

The IDF's five-day operation in and around the northern Gaza town of Beit Hanun, where troops and tanks are operating with the backing of fighter jets and helicopters, has left at least 47 Palestinians dead, around half of them civilians.

An IDF soldier has also been killed and two wounded in the operation.

"The Presidency calls on the Palestinian leadership to bring an end to terrorist activities, including the firing of rockets on Israeli territory," Finland said.

Meanwhile, Pope Benedict on Sunday condemned the recent spate of violence in Gaza and said he felt particularly close to civilians suffering the consequences.

Speaking to pilgrims and tourists in St Peter's Square for his weekly Sunday blessing, he also called for a return to direct negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians to put an end to the bloodletting.

"It is with deep worry that I am following the news about the grave deterioration of the situation in Gaza and I want to express my closeness to the civilian populations who are suffering the consequences of acts of violence," he said from his window overlooking the square.

He asked for prayers so that God would "enlighten Israeli and Palestinian authorities as well as those of nations which have a particular responsibility in the region..."

The Pope said that all leaders should "work to stop the bloodshed, multiply initiatives for humanitarian aid and support the immediate resumption of direct, serious and concrete negotiations."

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has said Israel's assault on rocket-launching squads and gunmen would not be open-ended but declined to say when it would finish.