NICOSIA, Jan. 5 (Xinhua) -- The Cypriot government Monday expressed its deep concern over the tragic humanitarian situation in Gaza and urged the European Union (EU) and the United Nations to push for a ceasefire under international observation.

    "The Republic of Cyprus is following the latest developments in the Gaza Strip with great concern," said Cypriot Foreign Minister Marcos Kyprianou.

    He told local media that the launch of ground operations by Israel "aggravates the already tragic humanitarian situation in Gaza and restricts the prospect of achieving an immediate diplomatic solution."

    "Cyprus supports the efforts of the EU, as well as the French president, to achieve a ceasefire under international observation," said Kyprianou, "This will provide the possibility to deliver humanitarian aid and tackle humanitarian issues, and the possibility to achieve a broader peaceful solution."

    Cyprus also expects the U.N. Security Council to act immediately for the termination of the hostilities, he said.

    "At the same time, the Egyptian proposal to develop an international presence in the Gaza Strip should be examined," Kyprianou added.

    Meanwhile, Cyprus is ready to contribute in any possible way to tackle the humanitarian situation in Gaza, he said.

    Kyprianou said that Cyprus, a Mediterranean island located near the Gaza Strip, has placed its infrastructure at the disposal of the EU for the transport of humanitarian aid to Gaza in the cases, when the provided aid cannot be delivered through Israel's Ben Gurion airport to Gaza.

    Cyprus has informed the representatives of the Czech EU Presidency, the European Commission and Israel in order to convey its readiness to contribute to this issue, the Cyprus News Agency quoted Kyprianou as saying.