UN 'deeply concerned', says Middle East peace envoy
The United Nations' special coordinator for the Middle East peace process has said there was "no justification" for attacks against civilians, after Israel's bombardment of the Gaza Strip left at least 10 Palestinians dead, including a five-year-old girl.
"I am deeply concerned by the ongoing escalation between Palestinian militants and Israel, including the targeted killing today of a Palestinian Islamic Jihad leader inside Gaza," Tor Wennesland said in a statement on Friday afternoon.
"The continuing escalation is very dangerous," Wennesland said.
"The progress made in gradually opening Gaza since the end of the May escalation risks being undone, leading to even greater humanitarian needs at a time when global resources are stretched and international financial support for a renewed humanitarian effort in Gaza will not be easily available."