United Nations Radio

A top UN official in the Middle East says arrangements must be worked out to end the current fighting between Israel and the Palestinians.

Gaza

UN special coordinator for the Middle East peace process Robert Serry says much of Gaza's infrastructure has now been destroyed and the death and injury toll continues to mount.

He says as a result it is absolutely imperative to find an immediate and lasting way to find a way out of an even deeper and deadlier conflict.

"It is very clear that while an immediate cessation of hostilities is absolutely vital, we must create also now the new conditions on the ground to make sure it does not happen again. Simply a return to the status quo ante or the previous situation will not do, will not be enough"

Serry says protection of civilians, the fabric of Gaza, the future of the peace process and regional stability all are trapped between the irresponsibility of Hamas rocket attacks and the excessiveness of Israel's response.

Donn Bobb, United Nations Radio

(duration: 59")