UNITED NATIONS: As the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas fell apart in Gaza, the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon urged both sides “to show maximum restraint and return to the agreed 72-hour humanitarian ceasefire” a UN spokesman said on Friday

Israel and Hamas accused each other of breaking the ceasefire, which had been announced by the United States and the United Nations and took effect at 8am Gaza time. The fighting broke out less than two hours later, and the apparent capture of an Israeli soldier could lead to a major escalation of the 25-day-old conflict.

Ban said that the UN had no independent means to verify exactly what happened on Friday morning, spokesman Stephane Dujarric said, but according to the latest reports, two IsraeIi soldiers were killed and one taken captive after the ceasefire came into effect.

“This would constitute a grave violation of the ceasefire, and one that is likely to have very serious consequences for the people of Gaza, Israel and beyond,” Dujarric said. “Such moves call into question the credibility of Hamas’ assurances to the United Nations.”

Published in Dawn, August 2nd, 2014