The UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is in the Middle East as part of his efforts to help Israel and the Palestinians find a solution to their ongoing conflict.

On Thursday, he crossed into Gaza where he called once again for the lifting of the blockade by Israel.

There he was met by families of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails who were angry that the UN chief was unable to meet them to discuss their plight.

The UN agency (UNWRA) continues to support the rebuilding of Gaza following an outbreak of hostilities at the end of 2008.

Maha Fayek has been speaking to the Secretary-General’s Deputy Spokesperson, Eduardo Del Buey, about the trip.

Duration: 2’44” [early out 2’27”]