United Nations Radio

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon visited Gaza to show his respect and concern for all Palestinians, who have lost friends and families during the conflict.

SG Visits UN office bombed in Gaza

He also expressed solidarity with United Nations staff, who have worked heroically during the past weeks.

His Spokesman Ahmad Fawzi said he visited the warehouse that was shelled by the Israeli Defense Forces just five days ago.

"It was still smouldering. There was a pungent scent of smoke in the air. Ang the Secretary-General visited the ruins of this warehouse, and once again protested that UN premises should be shelled in the strongest terms that those responsible should be held accountable."

Earlier, Mr. Ban met in Jerusalem with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and once again expressed his relief that Israel has declared a unilateral ceasefire.

He stressed the importance of the full withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.

The Secretary-General also emphasized the need to put in place a framework for a durable and sustainable end to the violence.

Reporting for UN Radio, I'm Bissera Kostova.

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