Middle East: Annan condemns upsurge in violence, urges restraint

The United Nations Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, today said he was troubled by the recent upsurge of violence in the Middle East, particularly attacks in northern Israel and murders of Palestinians in Gaza.

A statement issued by his spokesman said Mr. Annan was concerned by yesterday's suicide bomb attack on a bus in the city of Hadera in northern Israel, in which three Israelis died, as well as earlier killings of a Palestinian leader and five boys in Gaza.

Mr. Annan reiterated his condemnation of indiscriminate attacks on civilians and extra-judicial killings, which he said made progress towards a ceasefire more difficult to achieve.

"The Secretary-General once again urges all parties to make every effort to stop the escalating violence," the spokesman said. "The growing loss of life on both sides highlights the urgency of the ongoing efforts to secure a durable ceasefire and to start a meaningful dialogue aimed at finding a peaceful solution to the conflict."