New York: The UN continued its tight rope walk on the Middle East conflict, blaming both Israel and Hamas for the ongoing fighting in Gaza and asking world leaders to intensify efforts to stem the cycle of violence in the region that has claimed over 400 lives so far.

UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Robert Serry yesterday requested the international community to step up its attempts to end the growing humanitarian crisis.

He said that the future of the Middle-East peace process, the stability of the region and the safety of ordinary people in the Gaza Strip have been seriously jeopardized by the "irresponsibility of Hamas rocket attacks" and the "excessiveness of Israel s response".

"Much of Gaza s infrastructure has now been destroyed. The death and injury toll continues to mount. Hamas rockets are now reaching 40 kms into Israel," Serry said via video-link from Jerusalem.

The envoy said that he would join a number of Arab leaders slated to arrive in New York next week to find a solution to the crisis.

"Diplomatic efforts are underway involving many players, including the United States, the European Union (EU), the Arab League, Turkey and others and we believe the roles of the Quartet [comprising the UN, EU, Russia and the US] and the Security Council are going to be very important," he added.
While a ceasefire is vital, a return to the previous situation would not be enough to maintain security or find a durable peace, Serry said.
Source : PTI