GENEVA, January 24, 2008 (WAFA)-Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said that he remained “deeply concerned” about the situation in Gaza Strip.

Mr. Ban told reporters, where is he on an official visit in Geneva, in response to a question from a journalist, who noted that thousands of people have crossed the border from Gaza into Egypt because of the current situation, Mr. Ban urged the parties to resolve their issues peacefully.

“I know this very serious security concern of [the] Israeli people and Government and also I admit their legitimate security right to defend their country from all these security problems, or rocket fire coming from Gaza,” he said. “At the same time, I would hope that the Israeli Government should not take such a collective punishment to the general public.”

Mr. Ban observed that he has spoken by telephone to Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert to urge him to ease its border crossing restrictions and to provide the necessary fuel and supplies to Gaza.