Non-aligned, Palestinians urge ceasefire, UN monitors in Gaza

May 24, 2007, 20:07 GMT

New York - The Non-aligned Movement and Palestinian officials at the United Nations on Thursday called for a ceasefire in Gaza Strip as violence erupted in recent days between Hamas and Israel.

The Palestinian factions Fatah and Hamas were also battling each other while leaders on both sides were seeking an end to hostilities.

At UN headquarters, non-aligned countries urged the UN Security Council to assume 'its responsibilities to help bring an immediate cessation of this latest Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people and to consider a mechanism for the maintenance of the ceasefire.'

'In this regard, the non-aligned urges the Security Council to seriously consider the deployment of observers to monitor respect of the ceasefire,' they said in a statement.

The statement was backed by Palestinian UN envoy Riyad Mansour, who has made similar requests whenever conflict with Israel flared up. The council had never discussed the request.

The Non-aligned Movement, with more than 120 countries as members, has added its influence to support the Palestinians, but has had no success.

UN Undersecretary General for Political Affairs B. Lynn Pascoe told a council meeting Thursday that factional fighting in Gaza had worsened since mid-May following the resignation of Interior Minister Hani Kawasmeh. He said Hamas militants clashed with Fatah forces in residential areas 'with no regard for the safety of civilians.'

Fighting between Hamas and Fatah, as well as between Hamas and Israel, in the past month has killed 68 Palestinians and injured more than 200 others, Pascoe said.

Pascoe said more than 270 rockets were fired into Israel in the past month. Israel retaliated with tanks entering Gaza for the first time since the ceasefire in November while Israeli airforces struck at targets in Gaza.

The UN has asked Israel to exercise restraint in the face of Palestinian attacks and threats of suicide bombings.