BRUSSELS (EJP)---European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton condemned "in the strongest terms" the terrorist attack in Jerusalem on Wednesday.

In a statement, she said: "I express my condolences to the family of the deceased and extend my sincere wishes to the persons injured for their full and speedy recovery."

She also deeply regretted the loss of life in Gaza and expressed her most serious concern at the escalating violence in the Strip.

"I condemn  the recent mortar and rocket attacks out of the Gaza strip against Israeli civilian population," she said.

"Attacks on any civilians are completely unacceptable in any circumstance," the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, added, urging all parties "to show restraint and to avoid further escalation of violence."

Ashton called for the establishment of  lasting truce in Gaza.

She reiterated the EU’s position "and my personal conviction" that the only way forward in resolving the conflict in the Middle East is through peaceful negotiation.