UN calls for end to violence in Gaza

UN secretary general Ban Ki-moon has urged Arab and world leaders to do more to end the “unacceptable” violence in Gaza as Israel bombed the region for the third day.

“Both Israel and Hamas must halt their acts of violence and take all necessary measures to avoid civilian casualties.

“A ceasefire must be declared immediately,” he said yesterday. “The suffering caused to civilian populations as a result of the large-scale violence and destruction that have taken place over the past few days has saddened me profoundly.”