Concerned by Escalating Violence in Gaza, Southern Israel,

 

Secretary-General Calls for Calm, Maximum Restraint

 

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

The Secretary-General is concerned at escalating violence in Gaza and southern Israel.  He has condemned the recent rocket fire from Palestinian militants which hit a school bus and injured two Israeli civilians.  He calls for an immediate end to rocket fire.  The Secretary-General is also concerned at reports of civilian casualties from Israeli operations in Gaza and calls for maximum restraint.  He urges respect for international humanitarian law and calls for de-escalation and calm to prevent any further bloodshed.

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For information media • not an official record