Secretary-General Urges in Strongest Terms 24-Hour Extension of Humanitarian Pause

 

in Gaza, as Both Parties Need ‘Break’ in Deadly Violence

 

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

The Secretary-General urges, in the strongest terms, both the Israelis and Palestinians to extend, for an additional 24 hours, the humanitarian ceasefire that was in effect and mostly observed until early this morning.

He notes the importance for both Israelis and Palestinians to be able to have a break in the violence that has killed too many, marred so many lives, and caused such destruction.

Working closely with regional and international leaders, the Secretary-General urges all those with influence on the parties to help encourage an extension of the humanitarian ceasefire and compliance with observing it, once declared.

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For information media • not an official record