WASHINGTON, Nov 8 (Reuters) - The White House on Wednesday urged restraint after Israeli artillery shells killed 18 Palestinian civilians in Gaza, and said it hoped for a swift completion of the investigation into the attack.

"We deeply regret the injuries and loss of life in Gaza today. We have seen the Israeli government's apology and hope their investigation will be completed quickly," said Gordon Johndroe, spokesman for the White House National Security Council.

"We call on all parties to show restraint so as to avoid any harm to innocent civilians," he said.

It was the deadliest single Israeli attack on Palestinians in four years, and prompted swift vows of retaliation from Hamas and Islamic Jihad.

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