Caracas  - Venezuela ordered the expulsion of the Israeli ambassador on Tuesday to protest Israel's ongoing military operation in the Gaza Strip.

The Venezuelan Foreign Ministry described Israel's actions as "state terrorism" and noted that in the face of such "tragic and outrageous" events, Ambassador Shlomo Cohen and other diplomatic personnel are to leave the country.

Venezuelan authorities expressed solidarity with the "heroic Palestinian people" who have been subjected to an "invasion by Israeli troops," the statement said.

Caracas made a similar move two years ago, protesting an Israeli military operation in Lebanon that was aimed at Hezbollah. (dpa)