UN Secretary-General Sounds Alarm as Israeli Forces Enter Gaza

“I urge all members of the international community, in particular those in the region, to exert what influence they have on the parties to end this violence now,” - UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

Israel armed forces file photo Courtesy: armyrecognition.com

(GENEVA) - Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has voiced his deep concern over Israel's launch of a ground operation into Gaza today, with the Security Council calling an emergency meeting to discuss the situation.

Mr. Ban expressed his extreme disappointment to Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.

“He is convinced and alarmed that this escalation will inevitably increase the already heavy suffering of the affected civilian populations,” according to a statement issued by the Secretary-General's spokesperson.

“He called for an immediate end to the ground operation, and asked that Israel do all possible to ensure the protection of civilians and that humanitarian assistance is able to reach those in need.”

Mr. Ban underscored that today's developments thwart efforts to bring peace to the region by the so-called Quartet.

The Secretary General says it compromises the United Nations, the European Union (EU), Russia and the United States – and others.

He repeated his appeal for an urgent end to the clashes, and “urges regional and international partners to exert all possible influence to bring about an immediate end to the bloodshed and suffering.”

Israel has cited rocket and other attacks by militants in Gaza against Israeli civilians as the reason for its military offensive and closing crossings into Gaza for much of the previous two months.

During another emergency Council meeting earlier this week, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said the impact of the violence has been “nothing short of terrifying” for the 1.5 million residents of Gaza.

Mr. Moon stressed the need for an urgent halt to the violence and for crucial humanitarian aid to reach those in need.

“I urge all members of the international community, in particular those in the region, to exert what influence they have on the parties to end this violence now,” Mr. Ban told the meeting, which was convened at the request of Libya and Egypt on behalf of the Arab Group.

“I welcome the efforts underway, including by Arab and European leaders but I must repeat: not enough has been done, and more is urgently required,” he said, stressing the urgent need for an end to the fighting.