UN and diplomatic partners condemn recent attacks in southern Israel
| Publisher | UN News Service |
| Publication Date | 20 August 2011 |
| Cite as | UN News Service, UN and diplomatic partners condemn recent attacks in southern Israel, 20 August 2011, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/4e537e542.html [accessed 17 September 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
The Middle East Quartet, which comprises the UN, the European Union, Russia and the United States, said the attacks were "cowardly acts of premeditated terrorism" and expressed hope that those responsible for planning and carrying out the violence will quickly be brought to justice.
Gunmen reportedly fired at a bus travelling close to the Israeli-Egyptian border on Thursday. Two other vehicles in the same area were subsequently hit by either rocket fire or an explosive device. Several people were killed in the raids.
"The Quartet remains concerned about the unsustainable situation in Gaza as well as the risk of escalation, and calls for restraint from all sides," it said in a statement. It also voiced concern over the security situation in the Sinai Peninsula.
"Recent commitments by the Egyptian Government to address the security situation in the Sinai are important, and the Quartet encourages the Egyptian Government to find a lasting resolution to the issue of Sinai security," the statement added.
The Quartet extended its deepest condolences to the families of the victims of the attacks.
In his condemnation of the violence on Thursday, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon also expressed concerned over the risk of escalation and urged all parties to act with restraint.