“I call again for an immediate halt to the disproportionate use of force by Israel, which has already killed and wounded many civilians; for the release of Israeli Army Corporal Gilad Shalit; and for the cessation of rocket fire into Israel,” Mr. Annan, who is travelling in Germany, said through a statement released by his spokesman today.

“These measures are an absolute prerequisite for defusing the tensions which are escalating every day,” he affirmed.

In the statement, Mr. Annan also repeated his reminder – to both sides of the conflict – of their obligations under international humanitarian law, “which calls on them to take constant care to spare civilian populations and to refrain from any attack which may cause loss of civilian life and property.”