The Secretary-General is greatly concerned by the new wave of violence in Gaza and Southern Israel, which has resulted in several Palestinian deaths, including civilians, and wounded people on both sides.   He deplores the loss of life and calls for an immediate de-escalation of tensions.

The Secretary-General reiterates his call for an immediate cessation of indiscriminate rocket attacks by Palestinian militants targeting Israel and strongly condemns these actions.   He calls on Israel to exercise maximum restraint.   Both sides should do everything to avoid further escalation and must respect their obligations under international humanitarian law to ensure the protection of civilians at all times.