Secretary-General ‘extremely concerned’ about violence

 

in Israel, occupied Palestinian territory

 

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General is extremely concerned about the continuation and intensification of violence in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including indiscriminate rocket attacks against Israel from Gaza, a suicide bombing last week, and major Israeli reprisal operations.

The Secretary-General calls on the Palestinian Authority to take a clear public stand against violence and to take firm measures against the perpetrators of rocket attacks and suicide bombings.

The Secretary-General calls on the Government of Israel to ensure that its responses are proportionate and do not endanger the civilian population.

He asks both sides to act in conformity with international law, and to refrain from taking any steps which further escalate the violence.

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For information media • not an official record