The UN Security Council on Saturday called for a ceasefire between Israel and Palestinians, as the death toll in Gaza continues to rise amidst heavy air strikes.

“The Security Council members called for de-escalation of the situation, restoration of calm, and reinstitution of the November 2012 ceasefire,” a statement said.

“The Security Council members further called for respect for international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians.”

The statement is the first by the 15 member Security Council since the Israeli offensive began, with members previously divided on how to respond.

British Foreign Secretary William Hague also called for "urgent, concerted international action to secure a ceasefire" and expressed “deep concern” about civilian casualties.

Canadian Foreign Minister John Baird meanwhile has rejected UN Human Rights High Commissioner Navi Pillay’s criticism of civilian casualties caused by Israeli airstrikes.

Baird said Pillay’s comments were neither "helpful nor reflective of the reality of this crisis", as they were focussed only on Israel.

“Canada rejects UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay’s uncalled-for criticism of Israel’s response to rocket attacks from Gaza. Focusing her comments on Israel is neither helpful nor reflective of the reality of this crisis.

“Canada mourns the death and suffering of innocent civilians in Gaza. Responsibility rests solely with Hamas and its allies, who launched and continue to feed this crisis.

Over 159 Palestinians have now died in the 6th day of an Israeli offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, according to Palestinian sources, with 17 members of one family dying in an air strike on the house of the Hamas police chief Tayseer Al-Batsh, who was injured.

Rockets launched by Hamas and from southern Lebanon continued to target Israeli towns and Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu on Friday vowed to continue with the offensive until the rockets stopped.