United Nations Radio

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has expressed his strong protest and outrage to the Israeli defense and foreign ministers after the Israeli military shelled the UN headquarters in Gaza Strip.

Ban Ki-moon speaks at the press conference

The shelling engulfed the compound and a warehouse in fire, destroying thousands of pounds of food and humanitarian supplies intended for Palestinian refugees.

The Secretary-General told a joint press conference with Israel's foreign minister that he has demanded a full explanation.

He said the Israeli defense minister has described the attack as "a grave mistake and that he took it very seriously."

Secretary-General Ban said he as assured that extra attention would be paid to the UN facilities and staff and that this should not be repeated.

The Secretary-General in the region to try and end the fighting in Gaza said he believes, from his talks in Egypt a day earlier, that" the elements are in place for the violence to end now."

Donn Bobb, United Nations Radio

(duration: 49")