By Xinhua
United Nations : UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon expressed his deep concern on Friday at the violence reported in the Gaza Strip which had caused civilian casualties.
"The secretary-general is deeply concerned at the violence reported in Gaza in the context of the recent Israeli incursion," said a statement issued by Ban's press office.
The statement cited reports saying that at least one Palestinian was killed and several others were injured during "heavy exchanges of fire, including the use of tank fire in populated areas."
"The secretary-general calls on all parties to do their utmost to protect civilians and uphold international law," the statement said. "In addition, Palestinian rocket fire into Israel, must stop."
"Calm must be restored in order to focus all energies on finding a just and lasting peace in the Middle East," it added.
Israeli forces withdrew from the Gaza Strip on Friday morning, wrapping up an offensive against Palestinian militants which resulted in the death of at least 11 Palestinians since early Thursday morning.