SECRETARY-GENERAL SERIOUSLY CONCERNED BY ATTEMPTED
EXTRA-JUDICIAL KILLING BY ISRAELI DEFENCE FORCES
The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:
The Secretary-General expresses his serious concern over today’s attempted extra-judicial killing by the Israel Defence Forces of a senior Hamas political leader in Gaza.� He reiterates his consistent opposition to such actions.� Today’s action is likely to complicate even further the efforts by the Palestinian Prime Minister to halt violence and terrorism by Palestinian groups.
The Secretary-General condemns the killing in today’s attack of Palestinian civilians, including a mother and her three-year-old daughter.� He calls again on the Government of Israel to desist from the disproportionate use of force, especially in densely populated areas.
The Secretary-General believes that Israelis and Palestinians face a stark choice.� Either they follow the Road Map that leads to the establishment of two States, Israel and Palestine, living side-by-side in peace and security; or they take the low road that spirals down into an endless cycle of violence, counter-violence and revenge.� Events of the past few days illustrate in graphic form the consequences of the latter course.� The Secretary-General, therefore, urges the leaders on both sides to show the wisdom, courage and restraint needed to commit themselves to implementing the Road Map, as part of the search for a just, lasting and comprehensive settlement in the Middle East.
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