Israeli force in Gaza is 'excessive' -U.N.'s Ban

UNITED NATIONS, March 1 (Reuters) - U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Saturday condemned what he called Israel's "disproportionate and excessive" use of force in the Gaza Strip.

In an emergency meeting of the Security Council called to discuss an upsurge in Israeli-Palestinian fighting, Ban also condemned the relentless Palestinian rocket attacks against southern Israel.

Israeli forces killed 61 people in the Gaza Strip, making Saturday the bloodiest day for Palestinians since an uprising against Israeli occupation began in 2000. Two Israeli soldiers were killed in the fighting.

"While recognizing Israel's right to defend itself, I condemn the disproportionate and excessive use of force that has killed an injured so many civilians, including children," Ban told an emergency session of the council.

"I call on Israel to cease such attacks," he said.

Ban said there had been 26 Palestinian rocket attacks against Israel on Saturday alone.

"I condemn Palestinian rocket attacks and call for the immediate cessation of such acts of terrorism," he said.

http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSN01271167

With the UN being part of the "Quartet" perhaps Ban could play a more active role.

I hope he can have some influence.