Secretary-General Condemns Rocket Attack on Israel from Lebanon,

 

Urges Maximum Restraint by All Parties

 

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General strongly condemns the rocket attack on Israel from southern Lebanon that occurred this morning.  According to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), shortly after 0700 hours, two rockets fired from the general area of El Khiam in southern Lebanon impacted in the vicinity of Kiryat Shimona in northern Israel.  The Israel Defense Forces returned 32 rounds of artillery fire directed at the area from where the rockets had originated. 

At this time, no casualties or damage have been reported from either side, and there has been no immediate claim of responsibility for the rocket attack.  UNIFIL, in cooperation with the Lebanese Armed Forces, is investigating the incident.  

The Secretary-General appreciates the cooperation of both the Lebanese and Israeli authorities with UNIFIL's efforts to prevent further escalation of this incident, as well as their continued commitment to the cessation of hostilities along the Blue Line.

The Secretary-General urges all actors to exercise maximum restraint and prevent further incidents with destabilizing and escalatory potential in the region.

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For information media • not an official record