Welcoming Gaza ceasefire, Security Council urges end to all terrorism and violence

Welcoming the recent ceasefire in Gaza, members of the United Nations Security Council today called for an end to all aspects of violence and terrorism throughout the region, the President of the 15-member body said.

In a statement to the press, Ambassador Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser of Qatar welcomed steps taken by both sides to maintain the mutual ceasefire in Gaza agreed upon by Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.

Council members “expressed their hope that it would lead to a sustained period of calm,” he said, calling on both sides to avoid any actions which could jeopardize further progress.

The members also “repeated their call for an end to all aspects of terrorism and violence as set out in previous statements and resolutions,” Ambassador Al-Nasser said.

The ceasefire was announced on 25 November. Reacting to the news two days later, Secretary-General Kofi Annan called on both sides “to adhere strictly to their commitment, and avoid hasty action which could jeopardize progress towards a sustained period of calm,” adding that he hoped Israel and the Palestinians would extend the ceasefire to the West Bank as well.