Secretary-General, Following Events in Gaza with ‘Deep Concern’, Condemns Rocket Fire into Israel, Warning against Further Escalation, Loss of Life

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres:

The Secretary-General is following with deep concern the latest security developments in Gaza, and the risk of yet another dangerous escalation and further loss of life on the eve of the holy month of Ramadan.

He condemns in the strongest terms the launching of rockets from Gaza into Israel, particularly the targeting of civilian population centres.  He urges all parties to exercise maximum restraint, immediately de-escalate and return to the understandings of the past few months.

His Special Coordinator, Nickolay Mladenov, is working closely with Egypt and all concerned parties to restore calm.