UN chief calls for ceasefire

UN chief Ban Ki-moon appeals for a ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian militants, calling on the international community to do everything to halt escalating violence in Gaza.

“It is now more urgent than ever to try to find common ground for a return to calm and a ceasefire understanding,” he tells an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council in New York.

Ban says Hamas and Islamic Jihad fired more than 550 rockets and mortars from the Gaza Strip into Israel in the last few days and that Israel launched more than 500 airstrikes on Gaza.

He says all parties, including Palestinian armed groups, must respect international law.

“Once again civilians are paying the price for the continuation of conflict. My paramount concern is the safety and well-being of all civilians no matter where they are,” he tells the Council.

“Israel has legitimate security concerns but I am also concerned at the many Palestinian deaths and injuries as a result of Israeli operations,” he says.

— AFP