UN envoy calls for end to Gaza violence

The United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process today appealed for an end to the violence in Gaza, calling the scale of the recent bloodshed alarming.

Following his first visit to Gaza in his present role, Robert Serry told reporters that he had been informed that a major Israeli incursion into the area had left at least 14 people dead and over 40 injured, with civilians among those killed.

Mr. Serry deplored the killing and wounding of civilians, adding that the scale of the recent bloodshed is deeply alarming.

He also said that the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) must ensure that it strictly complies with international humanitarian law and that its operations do not endanger civilians.

“I really appeal to all parties to end the violence and to find ways to de-escalate the present escalation of violence,” Mr. Serry stated.