US urges Israeli restraint after Qana bombing

White House offers condolences for the deaths of more than 50 civilians in Israeli air raids on the Lebanese village of Qana.

The White House on Sunday offered condolences for the deaths of more than 50 civilians in Israeli air raids on the Lebanese village of Qana, and urged Jerusalem to use "the utmost care" to avoid the additional loss of innocent life.

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"We extend our condolences to families of the Qana victims and to all the people of Lebanon," said White House spokesman Blair Jones.

"This was a terrible and tragic incident. We continue to urge the Israeli government to exercise the utmost care, so as to avoid any civilian casualties. This tragic incident shows why this is so critical," Jones said.

He noted that US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice was engaged in intensive diplomacy to help resolve the crisis.

"Secretary Rice is in the region now and is seeking to arrange the conditions that would permit a sustainable cessation of violence as soon as possible," Jones said.