GAZA CITY, Gaza – UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has called on Israel and Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip to halt the violence that has escalated over the past few days. Troops killed at least 96 people over four days, with more than 60 people dead on Saturday alone – one third of those killed estimated to be children.

Addressing an emergency session of the Security Council in New York on Sunday, Ban condemned Israel’s “excessive” use of force and called Palestinian rocket attacks on Israel “acts of terrorism.” Ban said: “While recognizing Israel’s right to defend itself, I condemn the disproportionate and excessive use of force that has killed and injured so many civilians, including children.” Ban also condemned Palestinian rocket attacks that triggered one of the bloodiest days in Gaza since Israel withdrew in 2005. “I condemn Palestinian rocket attacks and call for the immediate cessation of such acts of terrorism,” he said.

Although members of the Security Council are currently discussing a draft resolution regarding the conflict in Gaza, its completion will likely take more than a few days. Libyan delegation representing the Palestinians has put forward a draft, but it is expected to be rejected because the resolution condemns Israel’s killing of civilians without mentioning the Palestinian rocket fire. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is due to meet Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert this week to try to revive peace talks.

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Al Jazeera – UN chief deplores Gaza assault – 2 March 2008

BBC News – UN chief condemns Gaza violence – 2 March 2008

Voice of America – UN Security Council condemns violence in Gaza – 2 March 2008