Secretary-General condemns fatal attacks by militants, israelis

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General condemns the ongoing rocket and mortar attacks by militant groups, including Hamas, from Gaza against crossing points and Israeli civilian targets, which caused the death of an Israeli civilian and four casualties today.  He calls on Hamas and other militant groups to cease such acts.  He also reminds them that these actions, as well as attacks on crossings, have detrimental implications for the Palestinian civilian population in Gaza.

The Secretary-General also condemns the death of a Palestinian child and the injury of its mother in Gaza as the result of Israeli Air Force (IAF) fire.  While recognizing Israel’s right to self-defence, the Secretary-General calls upon Israel to exercise maximum restraint, and reminds the IAF and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) of their responsibility to protect civilians under international humanitarian law during military operations.

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For information media • not an official record