A spokesman for the Secretary-General said Mr. Annan hoped that the "terrible incident" – which occurred at the Karni crossing between Israel and the Gaza Strip – would not be allowed to undermine the recent positive steps made by both parties.

"He also calls on the new Palestinian leadership to make all possible attempts to bring to justice the organizers and perpetrators of this attack," Stephane Dujarric said.

"The Secretary-General emphasizes again that violence cannot provide a solution to the conflict, and that only through negotiation can peace be achieved," he added, expressing also Mr. Annan's deepest condolences to the families of those killed and injured.