United Nations (U.N.) Secretary-General Ban ki-Moon welcomed the recent cessation of violence between Gaza and Israel brokered by Egypt, his spokeswoman Michele Montas told reporters on Wednesday. Ban “hopes that these efforts will both provide security and an easing of the humanitarian situation in Gaza, and end rocket and mortar attacks against Israeli targets,” Montas said. Montas added that the Secretary-General also “hopes that this cessation of violence will lead to a controlled and sustained opening of the Gaza crossings for humanitarian and commercial purposes.” While congratulating Egypt, Ban said he “looks forward to all sides acting with care and responsibility in ensuring that this cessation of violence endures,” Montas said. Israel and Hamas militants begin their ceasefire on Thursday, June 19,2008.
