LOC21:31
18:31 GMT
chief in Gaza
UNITED NATIONS, Nov 14 (KUNA) -- UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on
Wednesday reacted cautiously to Israel's resumption of targeted assassinations
after its air strikes on Gaza earlier today killed Hamas military chief Ahmad
Al-Jabari.
Hamas leaders said Israel would pay a "high price."
In answer to questions, UN spokesman Martin Nesirky reiterated the message
he put out last Monday, saying the Secretary-General deplored the loss of life
and injuries on both sides and called for an "immediate de-escalation of
tensions."
Nesirky said last Monday that Ban was "greatly concerned" by the fresh wave
of violence in Gaza and Southern Israel, which has resulted in several
Palestinian deaths, including civilians, and injuries on both sides.
He also reiterated Ban's call for an "immediate cessation of
indiscriminate" rocket attacks by Palestinian militants targeting Israel and
"strongly condemns these actions."
Ban also called 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."
The Security Council is not expected to react either, a Council member
said. (end)
sj.mt
KUNA 142131 Nov 12NNNN