SG/SM/9157
13 February 2004

Secretary-General Deplores Loss of Life During Israel’s Gaza Military Incursions

NEW YORK, 12 February (UN Headquarters) -- The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General deplores the loss of life during Israeli military incursions in Gaza yesterday, which led to clashes in which at least 15 Palestinians, including civilians, were killed.  More than 50 Palestinians have been reported injured so far, among them several critically-wounded children.

 The Secretary-General urges Israel to abide by its obligations under international law.  This includes ceasing to use disproportionate force in densely populated areas and taking greater care to avoid harm to innocent civilians.

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