United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan is deeply disturbed by the alarming violence in Gaza City that started today, which left several Palestinians, including civilians and children, and at least six Israeli soldiers dead, his spokesman said.

“The Secretary-General is particularly concerned by the heavy fighting in densely populated neighbourhoods, which is exposing more Palestinian civilians to death and injury,” spokesman Fred Eckhard said in a statement issued in New York.

“He urges both sides to desist from further violence and instead to heed the calls of the Quartet and the international community to resume negotiations to end the conflict,” the statement added.

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