UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 7 (Xinhuanet) -- UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan called on all parties in the Middle East on Tuesday to refrain from actions that could lead to an escalation of violence.

    In a statement released by his spokesman, Annan said he has noted with concern that in recent days Israel has conducted several targeted killings in the West Bank and Gaza strip.

    "While recognizing Israel's right to defend its citizens, targeted killings place innocent bystanders at grave risk and amount to executions without trial," the secretary-general stressed.

    Annan also noted with concern the repeated rocket attacks against Israel emanating from the Gaza Strip, and underlined to all parties the need to respect international humanitarian law, and to refrain from actions that could lead to an escalation of violence.

    At least two Palestinians were killed Tuesday afternoon in Gazaas an Israeli reconnaissance drone fired two rockets at their car.

    It was the fourth Israeli air strike after the army intensified targeted killings of the Palestinian militants, who the army blamed for a string of rocket fire from northern Gaza to southern Israel. Eight people have been killed in the last three days. Enditem