Spanish athletes Iker Casillas and Rafael Nadal have both condemned Israeli atrocities against civilian Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas announced Wednesday that he would not attend New Year ceremonies in the central square of Madrid to show his great sadness over Israel's violent crimes.

"You will find it impossible to join people and laugh after you see what is happening in the Gaza Strip," 28-year-old Casillas said in an interview with the Fars News Agency.

The heavy assault on Gaza was also denounced by the Spanish professional tennis player, Rafael Nadal, on the same day.

"I keep telling myself it is against humanity if you don't help children in the Gaza Strip," Nadal, 23, said.

Israel has launched aerial attacks on Gaza starting from Saturday, killing at least 400 and wounding more than 1,925 people.

Meanwhile Israel has deployed tanks and troops along the border with the impoverished strip, raising speculation that a ground incursion into Gaza is on the way.

HRF/JG/MMA