Annan deplores fatal Israeli helicopter attack in Gaza, urges respect for international law

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan deplored the Government of Israel’s latest deadly military action today in Gaza City, in which a helicopter attacked a heavily populated civilian area, and urged the country to respect international humanitarian law.

Two Palestinians were killed and more than 25 civilians – including at least a dozen children – were wounded in the assault.

In a statement released by his spokesman, the Secretary-General pointed out that the incident comes on the heels of Tuesday’s adoption by the Security Council of a resolution demanding the complete cessation of all violence, including all acts of terror, provocation, incitement and destruction. The Council also reiterated the need to respect international humanitarian law under all circumstances.

“The Secretary-General is deeply concerned about the possible consequences of this attack,” the statement said. “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.”