Secretary-General Alarmed by Hamas Leaders’ Stated Intention to Continue Building Tunnels, Firing Rockets at Israel

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

The Secretary-General is alarmed by recent statements from the Hamas leadership in Gaza about the group's intention to continue building tunnels and firing rockets at Israel.  Such statements and actions put at risk reconstruction, humanitarian and development efforts by the international community and Palestinian and Israeli authorities.  They also do a serious disservice to the long-suffering people of Gaza.

After three devastating conflicts in seven years, people in Gaza and the people of southern Israel deserve a chance for peace and development.  Every effort must be made to improve the living conditions of the people of Gaza.  The Secretary-General reiterates his condemnation of terrorism in all its manifestations.