UNITED NATIONS, March 2: Expressing concern over the loss of lives in Israeli attacks on Palestinians in Gaza, the UN Security Council on Sunday asked Israel and Hamas to cease all violence.

Earlier UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon condemned the “excessive” use of force by Israel.

A statement read out by Security Council’s current president, the Russian ambassador to the United Nations, Vitaly Churkin, said: “Members of the Security Council are deeply concerned about the loss of civilian life in southern Israel and Gaza and condemn the escalation of violence.

“These events underscore the need for all parties to immediately cease all acts of violence,” the statement said.

All fifteen members of the council agreed on the text following a five-hour emergency meeting.

Israel killed over 61 people in Gaza, making Saturday one of the bloodiest days for Palestinians since the uprising against Israeli occupation began.

Under pressure from Israel and the United States, the council softened the text of the statement. The UN chief condemned both the Israeli assaults and the rocket attacks against Israel.

“While recognising Israel’s right to defend itself, I condemn the disproportionate and excessive use of force that has killed and injured so many civilians, including children,” Ban told an emergency session of the council.

“I call on Israel to cease such attacks,” he said.

He said there had been 26 Palestinian rocket attacks against Israel on Saturday.

“I condemn Palestinian rocket attacks and call for the immediate cessation of such acts of terrorism,” he said.

Some delegations had wanted the council statement to reflect Ban’s speech.

But US put pressure on the Council to soften the statement.