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.”

Meanwhile, the US administration pleaded for an end to the violence, demanding that Hamas “stop firing rockets into Israel”.

Gordon Johndroe, a White House spokesman, released a statement from President Bush saying the US wants a lasting peace in the region.

He said that bringing an end to the violence — which has caused hundreds of deaths and injuries — hangs on the willingness of Hamas to “agree to respect a sustainable and durable ceasefire”.

President-elect Barack Obama’s transition team was choosing its words carefully. David Axelrod, a senior adviser, said Obama would honour the “important bond” between the US and Israel.