SG/SM/7636

SECRETARY-GENERAL CONDEMNS GAZA STRIP VIOLENCE

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary- General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General condemns in the strongest possible terms the violence that took place in the Gaza strip yesterday. He appeals to the Government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority to cease all escalatory actions and to do their utmost to stop the violence, which has cost so many lives and caused so much tragedy. Yesterday's attacks can only further complicate the prospects for dialogue, which is the only way forward to a just and peaceful solution.

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United Nations