BETHLEHEM (Ma'an) -- South African archbishop and hero of the apartheid era Desmond Tutu said Friday that the escalation of violence between Israel and the Gaza Strip was "heartbreaking."

"This new outbreak of violence is heartbreaking – and all too familiar," he said in a statement.

"Once again the people are paying an unacceptable price and innocent civilians in Gaza and Israel, including children, are losing their lives.

"There will be no peace for Israelis and Palestinians if the cycle of violence continues."