UN chief condemns Gaza violence

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has called on both Israel and Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip to halt the violence of the past few days.

(BBC) -- Addressing the Security Council, he condemned Israel's "excessive" use of force and called Palestinian rocket attacks on Israel "acts of terrorism".The Security Council later voiced deep concern at the events but failed to condemn either side.

At least 54 Palestinians and two Israeli soldiers died on Saturday.It was one of the bloodiest days in Gaza since Israel withdrew in 2005.Local doctors say at least 13 of the Palestinians were civilians, including eight children.

More than 150 Palestinians, and seven Israelis, were also injured on a day that saw both Israeli air and ground assaults and new rocket attacks on Israel. full story