(Photo: tert.am)
(VOVworld) – The US and the UN on Friday expressed their worries about the tension in the Gaza Strip when negotiations to extend the 72-hour-ceasefire in Cairo made no progress. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon condemned Hamas’ rocket attacks at Israel and called for parties concerned to reestablish a truce in Gaza. He expressed his deep disappointment at the fact that both sides didn’t extend the ceasefire and affirmed they should have more talks in Cairo. Ban appealed Israel and Palestine not to take more military actions to worsen the humanitarian activities in the area.
The same day, Josh Earnest, the White House spokesperson, denounced Hamas’ resumption of rocket fire and urged both sides to resume negotiations and do the best to protect civilians.
In related news, the Europe offers to set up a sea route linking the Gaza Strip and Larnaca city in Cyprus to serve people’s transportation and trading. Under the plan, European observers will be present at both the Gaza Strip and Larnaca to prevent any security violations. Through the initiative, the Europe wants to look for a comprehensive and long-term solution for the region. Currently, the Europe is providing consultancy for all parties involving Palestine, Israel, and Egypt.
In another development, the delegation of Israeli negotiators left Egypt after the Egypt-brokered 72-hour ceasefire was broken by the Islamic movement of Hamas. An Israeli government official announced that Israel will not negotiate the resumption of a truce in the Gaza strip unless Palestinian gunmen don’t fire rockets on Israel. Meanwhile, Palestinian factions remain in Cairo to further talks despite the ceasefire stopped in the area. Azzam Ahmed, an official of th eFatah movement, said it is ready for a negotiation with Egypt as the mediator to reach a final agreement.