Secretary-General, Greatly Concerned over Yesterday’s Rocket Attacks

against Israel, Retaliatory Strikes, Urges Maximum Restraint

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

The Secretary-General is greatly concerned over yesterday’s firing of rockets from the area of Tyre, within the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon’s (UNIFIL) area of operations, towards Israel, which is a clear violation of resolution 1701 (2006).  UNIFIL is investigating the circumstances of the incident in cooperation with the Lebanese Armed Forces and the Israel Defense Forces.

The Secretary-General notes the retaliatory strikes by the Israel Defense Forces in Lebanon in the area of Na’ameh, and condemns any and all violations of resolution 1701 (2006).  He urges all concerned to exercise maximum restraint and cooperate with UNIFIL, in order to prevent an escalation.  The parties must fully adhere to resolution 1701 (2006) and respect the cessation of hostilities agreement.

The United Nations is committed to continuing to work with the parties to ensure that the calm that has prevailed continues to be sustained.

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For information media • not an official record