Annan deplores West Bank violence that killed seven Palestinians and wounded 12

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today deplored the recent violence in the West Bank town of Tulkarem and urged Israel again to stop the use of excessive force in civilian areas.

The violence, which killed seven Palestinians and wounded a dozen more yesterday and today, came during an Israeli military raid in which a suspected militant was killed. Three of the dead were teenage children.

A statement issued by a spokesman for the Secretary-General said Mr. Annan called on the parties to refrain from action of violence, provocation and retaliation. “He remains convinced that the use of force, irrespective of its target, will not yield victory for either side of this terrible conflict,” the statement said. "Violence only deepens anger, bitterness and distrust, while making more distant the prospects for peace between Israelis and Palestinians."

Emphasizing that a political settlement remains the only viable solution to the conflict, the statement called on both sides to honour their obligations under international law and adopt every possible measure to protect civilian life.