The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:
The Secretary-General is concerned at escalating violence in Gaza and southern Israel. He has condemned the recent rocket fire from Palestinian militants which hit a school bus and injured two Israeli civilians. He calls for an immediate end to rocket fire. The Secretary-General is also concerned at reports of civilian casualties from Israeli operations in Gaza and calls for maximum restraint. He urges respect for international humanitarian law and calls for de-escalation and calm to prevent any further bloodshed.
* *** *