ST. PETERSBURG, Russia, July 16 (Xinhua) -- Leaders meeting at the summit of Group of Eight (G8) world powers on Sunday called for an end to the spiraling violence in the Middle East and urged Israel to exercise restraint in self-defense amid a crisis that has left dozens dead.

    The latest upsurge of violence in the Middle East was a last-minute addition to the agenda of the summit as Israel waged massive air raids and imposed sea blockade on Lebanon in response to rockets attacks by Hezbollah militants who kidnapped two Israeli soldiers and killed eight others on Wednesday.

    A statement issued by the G8 leaders expressed their "deepening concern" about the situation in the Middle East.

    The statement described Hamas elements launching rocket attacks against Israel and Hezbollah militants as "extremists," saying they "must immediately halt their attacks."

    The G8 called upon Israel to "exercise utmost restraint" when it exercises its right to defend itself.

    The leaders offered full support for the UN chief's mission presently in the region.

    A three-member team sent by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan to defuse the latest crisis arrived in Cairo on Friday to meet Egyptian officials and consult with Arab foreign ministers. The UN team will also travel to Israel, the Palestinian territories, Lebanon, Syria and Jordan.

    The G8 welcomes the positive efforts of Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Jordan to return the region to peace, the statement said.

    The G8 gathers Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia and the United States.

    Russia and the United States are members of the international Quartet mediating for peace in the Middle East. The Quartet also includes the United Nations and the European Union. Enditem