Condemning Humanitarian Ceasefire Breach, Secretary-General Says

Hopes of People in Gaza, Israel Rest on Cairo Talks

 

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

The Secretary-General condemns in the strongest terms the breach of the Egyptian-brokered humanitarian ceasefire, which was to expire at midnight local time.  He is gravely disappointed by the return to hostilities.

The Secretary-General reminds both sides of their responsibility not to let the situation escalate.  The hopes of the people in Gaza for a better future and the hopes of the people in Israel for sustainable security rest on the talks in Cairo.  The Secretary-General calls on the delegations to live up to this expectation and urges the parties to reach an immediate understanding on a durable ceasefire, which also addresses the underlying issues afflicting Gaza.

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