Diplomatic efforts fail to stop Gaza violence

By on July 21, 2014

The world’s top diplomats are increasing efforts to stop fighting between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, but their efforts have so far been fruitless.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon flew to Israel to meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday.

Ban told a joint news conference that he understands Israel’s security concerns, but military operations will not contribute to the country’s long-term stability and security.

He urged Israel to exercise maximum restraint.

But Netanyahu said more civilians are dying in the Gaza Strip because Hamas is using them as human shields, suggesting that Israel will continue its offensive.

US Secretary of State John Kerry is visiting Egypt to mediate talks.

He told Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi that the United States supports a ceasefire proposed by Egypt.

But Kerry told reporters that the 2 countries will continue discussing its details.

Israel launched further air strikes in Gaza on Tuesday. The total death toll from current fighting has passed 600.

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