United Nations Radio

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon says he’s deeply alarmed by the current escalation of violence in and around Gaza.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

And he says "this is unacceptable.
In a statement to reporters at UN headquarters Monday, the Secretary-General says he has been repeatedly condemning the rocket attacks by Hamas militants against Israel.
And while recognizing Israel's right to defend itself, he has also condemned the excessive use of force by Israel in Gaza.
Secretary-General Ban says he is profoundly saddened by the sufferings caused to civilian populations as a result of the large-scale violence and destruction that have taken place over the past few days.

"The frightening nature of what is happening on the ground, in particular, its effects on children who are more than half of the population troubles me greatly. I have continuously stressed the need for strict observance of international humanitarian law."

Secretary-General Ban says "all this must stop".
He says both Israel and Hamas must halt their acts of violence and take all necessary measures to avoid civilian casualties. A ceasefire must be declared immediately and they must also curb their inflammatory rhetoric.
And he adds "only then can dialogue start".

This is Donn Bobb reporting for United Nations Radio.

(duration: 1'10")