IN WAKE OF GAZA ATTACK, SECRETARY-GENERAL CALLS ON ISRAEL TO HALT ALL SUCH ACTIONS
The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:
The Secretary-General deplores the Government of Israel's military action today in Gaza City.� This helicopter attack in a heavily populated civilian area, in which two Palestinians were killed and more than 25 civilians, including at least a dozen children, were wounded, follows the adoption three days ago by the Security Council of resolution 1435.� That resolution reiterated the Council's demand for the complete cessation of all acts of violence, including all acts of terror, provocation, incitement and destruction.� It also reiterated the need for respect in all circumstances of international humanitarian law.
The Secretary-General is deeply concerned about the possible consequences of this attack.� He calls on the Government of Israel to halt such actions and conduct itself in a manner that is fully consistent with international humanitarian law, under which Israel has a clear responsibility to protect the lives of civilians.
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