NEW YORK, June 6, 2011 (WAFA) – United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon condemned what he described as “use of violence and all actions intended to provoke violence” on the Syrian borders with the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, according to a statement distributed Monday.

Israeli soldiers based on the borders with Syria opened fire at Palestinian and Syrian protesters who gathered on the Syrian side of the fence on Sunday to mark the anniversary of the June 1967 war and what Palestinians call the Naksa, or setback, killing at least 23 protesters and wounding hundreds others.

“The Secretary General has been following with deep concern today's (Sunday’s) events in the area of separation on the occupied Syrian Golan, including reports of efforts to cross the Israeli technical fence and an unconfirmed number of civilian casualties from live IDF (Israel Defense Forces) fire,” said Ban in the statement.

“The Secretary-General regrets the loss of life, and extends his condolences to the families of the victims,” it said, adding that Ban “condemns the use of violence and all actions intended to provoke violence.”

Ban warned that “the events of today (Sunday) and of 15 May on the Golan put the long-held cease-fire in jeopardy.”

He was referring to a similar protest held at the same place and in southern Lebanon on May 15, the Nakba Day, marking the creation of Israel on Palestinian land. About 20 people were killed then in both Syria and Lebanon from Israeli gunfire.

“The Secretary-General calls for maximum restraint on all sides and strict observance of international humanitarian law to ensure protection of civilians. He reminds the Syrian authorities of their obligation to protect UNDOF personnel and facilities,” said the statement without any reference to the fact that the Israeli soldiers shot and killed unarmed civilians participating in a non-violent protest inside Syrian and Lebanese territory.

M.A.