By Xinhua
United Nations : UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Saturday called for an immediate end to attacks between the Israelis and Palestinians, condemning Palestinian rocket attacks and Israel’s “disproportionate and excessive use of force.”
Ban made the appeal at an emergency session of the UN Security Council called at the request of Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas after Israeli forces killed dozens of Palestinians, including many women and children, in the Gaza Strip.
“I condemn Palestinian rocket attacks, and call for the immediate cessation of such acts of terrorism, which serve no purpose, endanger Israeli civilians, and bring misery to the Palestinian people,” the UN chief said. “I call for an end to these attacks.”
“While recognizing Israel’s right to defend itself, I condemn the disproportionate and excessive use of force that has killed and injured so many civilians, including children,” Ban said.
“I call on Israel to cease such attacks. Israel must fully comply with international humanitarian law and exercise the utmostrestraint. Incidents in which civilians have been killed or injured must be investigated and accountability must be ensured.”
Ban expressed his deep concerns at the possibility of the escalation of violence, offering “strong support for all efforts to bring about an end to the violence and a period of calm.”
“I call on all parties to step back from the brink of even deeper and more deadly clashes,” he said.
He urged all members of the international community, important stakeholders and Security Council members to exercise their influence on the parties to stop the violence and allow humanitarian relief.
All parties should renew their commitment to the peace process, he said.
Representatives of the 15-member Security Council are holding consultations on the matter following a closed-door discussion and an open debate.