MONTEVIDEO, March 2 (Xinhua) -- The Uruguayan Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday called for an "urgent de-escalation" in the Middle East.

In a statement, the ministry expressed its "deep concern" about the escalation of violence, "which increases the number of civilian deaths, especially children," and urged all parties involved to respect international law and return to the diplomatic path.

The ministry noted that Uruguay is closely following the situation in the Middle East and "stands in solidarity" with the states and peoples of the states involved in the conflict. ■