United Nations Radio

There must be an immediate ceasefire that is durable and respected fully by all sides in the Israeli/Palestinian conflict.

The call comes from UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon during a UN Security Council debate on prospects for ending the 11-day Israeli military offensive in Gaza.

The Secretary-General says immediate humanitarian measures, including open crossings for humanitarian assistance should be ensured.

He says in the midst of this fighting, the civilian population of Gaza faces a humanitarian crisis.
He says entire families have perished in the violence, including women and children, UN staff, and medical workers:

UN Secretary-General

"There are no shelters for the vast majority of the civilian population. Food and fuel supplies are insufficient. A million people have no electricity. A quarter of a million have no running water. The only answer is an end to the violence. Whatever the rationale of the combatants, only an end to violence and a political way forward, can deliver long-term security and peace."

Secretary-General Ban says he intends to travel next week to Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory, and to regional capitals as part of diplomatic efforts to end the fighting in Gaza.

But he says he doesn't believe we can wait until then to end the violence, adding "we must achieve that now."
This is Donn Bobb reporting for United Nations Radio.
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