Mogherini calls for "utmost restraint" as dozens of Palestinians killed in Gaza protest

European Union (EU) foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini called on Monday for "utmost restraint" to avoid further loss of life in the wake of a clash along the Gaza border that has killed at least 41 Palestinians.

"Israel must respect the right to peaceful protest and the principle of proportionality in the use of force. Hamas and those leading the demonstrations in Gaza must ensure that they remain strictly non-violent and must not exploit them for other means," the EU top diplomat said in a statement.

"Any further escalation of an already extremely tense and complex situation would cause again further unspeakable sufferings to both peoples, and will make the perspective of peace and security even more remote," she added.

At least 41 Palestinians were killed and over 1,700 others injured during mass protests along the Gaza border on Monday.