UN chief embarking on Middle East tour

Frustrated and anguished at the escalating violence in Gaza, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said he’s embarking today on a Mideast tour to press for Israel and Hamas to immediately stop fighting and allow humanitarian aid into the devastated Palestinian territory.

Mr Ban said he plans to step up diplomatic efforts to get both sides to adhere to a UN ceasefire resolution calling for an end to Israel’s air and ground offensive in Gaza and Hamas’ rocketing of southern Israel.