United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process
on efforts to calm the situation in Southern Israel and Gaza
23 December 2010
"Following the recent escalation of tensions in Gaza and southern Israel, I and my team have been engaged in efforts to help de-escalate the situation. The UN does not want to see any renewed intensification of conflict and has been sending a message of utmost restraint and concern for the protection of civilians in Gaza and Israel. I am encouraged that we are hearing a clear desire from all concerned to de-escalate the situation and respect calm and I appeal for an end to acts of violence."
ENDS
For further details please contact: Richard Miron Mobile: +972 (0)54 5627825 Email: mironr@un.org
******************** Hayat Abu-Saleh Office of the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process (UNSCO) Public Information and Media Unit Tel: 972-2-5687287 Mobile: 972-54-6631114 E-mail: abusaleh@un.org www.unsco.org