The New Nation - Internet Edition

AFP, United Nations

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon Monday urged Arab and world leaders to do more to immediately end the "unacceptable" violence in the Gaza Strip as Israel bombed the region for the third day.

"Both Israel and Hamas must halt their acts of violence and take all necessary measures to avoid civilian casualties. A ceasefire must be declared immediately," Ban said.

"The suffering caused to civilian populations as a result of the large-scale violence and destruction that have taken place over the past few days has saddened me profoundly." At least 345 people have been killed since Israel unleashed its bombing campaign on the Strip on Saturday after increased rocket and mortar fire from Gaza on southern Israel.

Ban said he was "deeply alarmed by the current escalation of violence in and around Gaza. This is unacceptable. "I have been repeatedly condemning the rocket attacks against Israel while recognizing Israel's right to defend itself. I have also condemned the excessive use of force by Israel in Gaza," he said.