” “"A step back for the salvation of all the civilians who live in the region". This is the appeal that the secretary of the United Nations, Kofi Annan, sent today to Israelis and Palestinians. "Since the situation in Gaza keeps aggravating stated Annan I make one more appeal to both parties, asking them to take a step back for the salvation of the civilians who live in the region. I ask once again to immediately put a halt to Israel’s disproportionate use of force which has already caused many civilians to die or be wounded; to release the Israeli corporal Gilad Shalit and to put a halt to the launch of missiles in Israel". Measures, which, in the UN Secretary’s opinion, "are a prerequisite to defuse the tension that is escalating day after day". "I remind both Israelis and Palestinians he concluded of their responsibilities under the international humanitarian law, which calls them to do all they can, all the time, to spare civilians and to abstain from any attack that might cause a loss of human lives. I also invite the Security Council to take a clear stance about the situation".” “
