The military action follows unrest involving Israeli police and Palestinian protesters near Al-Aqsa Mosque in East Jerusalem.
The outbreak of fighting is the most intense aerial exchange between Israel and Hamas since a 2014 war in Gaza, and has prompted international concern that the situation could spiral out of control.
Mahuta says the launching of rockets towards Israel by Hamas "is unacceptable and must stop".
"The growing death toll and the large numbers of casualties, including children, from Israeli airstrikes and Gazan rockets is unacceptable," she says.
"Senior officials met with the Israeli Ambassador yesterday. Officials underlined the concerning loss of life and strongly urged Israel to de-escalate to prevent the prospect of a widening conflict. They also raised their concern at the continued violation of international law and forced evictions occurring in East Jerusalem.