Israel/Occupied Palestinian Territory: UN relief chief appeals to all sides to stop fighting

Statement by Martin Griffiths, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, on developments in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory

 New York: I am extremely alarmed by the rapidly escalating events in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory. The number of civilian casualties on both sides is reportedly already in the hundreds – and rising rapidly.

 Violence is never the answer. I appeal to all sides to stop the fighting immediately and protect civilians everywhere and at all times.

 Not doing so will only lead to more bloodshed.