UN Chief Condemns Collapse of Truce between Israel, Palestine
TEHRAN (Tasnim) - UN chief Ban Ki-moon has strongly condemned the collapse of a humanitarian ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, asking Israel and the Palestinians factions to reach an immediate understanding on a durable truce.
A statement issued by Ban's spokesman said he is "gravely disappointed" by the return to hostilities by both sides and condemns "in the strongest terms" the breach of the Egyptian brokered humanitarian ceasefire which was to expire at midnight local time.
The Secretary-General "reminds both sides of their responsibility not to let the situation escalate," the statement said.
"The hopes of the people in Gaza for a better future and the hopes of the people in Israel for sustainab, PTI reported.
Ban urged the parties to reach an immediate understanding on a durable ceasefire which also addresses the underlying issues afflicting Gaza.
Palestinian officials have blamed Israel for the collapse of a temporary ceasefire in the Gaza Strip as several Palestinians are killed during fresh Israeli attacks.
"The ceasefire has collapsed and Israel is responsible," Azzam al-Ahmed, the head of the Palestinian negotiating team in Cairo, said on Wednesday.
“We are leaving tomorrow, but we have not pulled out of negotiations," he stated, adding that the Palestinians were waiting for Israel’s response to their truce proposal.
"We will not come back (to Cairo) until Israel responds," Ahmed said.
Ahmed also said a peace agreement could have been reached, but it was Israel’s decision to make the talks fail.
