Arab ministers meet diplomats at UN over Gaza conflict

Azerbaijan News.Net
Tuesday 6th January, 2009

The United Nations in New York has been a scene of high diplomatic activity, with ministers and diplomats from Arab countries trying to put pressure on the Security Council to act over the Gaza Strip conflict.

An Arab-backed resolution aimed at ending the fighting has been backed by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, who has condemned the actions of both sides.

Mr Ban has called for a ceasefire and has specifically asked Israel to end its military assault.

While he said the Israeli side was being excessive in its assault on Gaza, he also insisted Hamas end its rocket attacks, which he said were "counter-productive, in addition to being completely unacceptable."

The Secretary-General of the Arab League, Amr Moussa, says his organization would only accept a balanced resolution, treating both sides in the conflict equally.

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has rejected international calls for a ceasefire with Hamas if it fails to end the rocket attacks on Israel.

Fighting in Gaza entered an excessively violent phase on Monday, with heavy fighting in Gaza City.

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