Ban expresses alarm over Israeli-Palestinian conflict

UNITED NATIONS: Expressing "alarm" over "serious" escalation of Israeli-Palestinian conflict, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has said that the ground attack by Tel Aviv into Gaza and continued rocket attacks by Hamas complicates the efforts of those trying to bring the violence to an end.
    
In a statement issued after Israel said the ground attack could last several days, Ban called for immediate cessation of violence, a call that both sides have repeatedly ignored, and urged regional and international players to use their influence to bring an "immediate end" to bloodshed and suffering.
    
Ban on Saturday also spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and conveyed his "extreme concern and disappointment".
    
The escalation will inevitably increase the already heavy suffering of the affected civilian population, Ban said while asking Israel to take all possible steps to ensure protection of civilians. The humanitarian assistance should reach all those in need, he said.
    
Israeli troops have so far killed dozens of Hamas militants during the ground operation into Gaza that started on Saturday, seven days after airstrikes on the coastal strip claimed over 460 Palestinian lives.