Ban Ki-moon condemns fatal terrorist attack in southern Israel

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon condemned today’s terrorist attack by Palestinian militants against the Nahal Oz depot in southern Israel, in which two Israeli civilian contractors working to supply fuel to the Gaza Strip were killed and others injured.

“He is gravely concerned at the prospect of an escalation in violence,” according to a statement issued by Mr. Ban’s spokesperson. “The United Nations calls for the protection of all civilians in the conflict.”

The spokesperson stressed that, while the Secretary-General recognized Israel's legitimate right to self-defence, he deplored the reported civilian casualties among Palestinians during Israeli military operations this afternoon.