SG/SM/9266
23 April 2004
Secretary-General Alarmed by Deadly Consequences of Israel’s Two-Day Incursion into Northern Gaza
NEW YORK, 22 April (UN Headquarters) -- The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:
The Secretary-General is alarmed by the deadly consequences of the two-day Israeli incursion into the northern Gaza Strip which ended today. Among the Palestinian fatalities were reportedly at least 10 civilians, including five children under 15 years of age. The Secretary-General is aware that the incursion followed rocket and mortar fire against Israeli targets. However, the Secretary-General urges Israel to respect its obligations under international law as an occupying power regarding the use of disproportionate force in civilian areas.
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