SecGen saddened by civilian deaths in Middle East, urges cooperation with Egypt for immediate ceasefire – SecGen statement – Press release

SECRETARY-GENERAL 'DEEPLY SADDENED' BY CIVILIAN DEATHS IN MIDDLE EAST,

URGES ALL PARTIES TO COOPERATE WITH EGYPT TOWARDS IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE

Following is a statement by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on the situation in the Middle East, issued on 18 November:

I am deeply saddened by the reported deaths of more than ten members of the Dalu family, including women and children, and additional Palestinian civilians killed as a result of the ongoing violence in the Gaza strip.  I am also alarmed by the continuing firing of rockets against Israeli towns, which has killed several Israeli civilians.  This must stop. I strongly urge the parties to cooperate with all efforts led by Egypt to reach an immediate cease fire. Any further escalation will inevitably increase the suffering of the affected civilian populations and must be avoided.

I am heading to the region to appeal personally for ending the violence and contribute to ongoing efforts to that end.

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For information media • not an official record