Revised Morrocan draft press statement on Gaza (Updated)

This draft press statement is under silence procedure until Tuesday, 20 November 2012, at 9 am. Diplomats said that Morocco changed the language  as follows: 

SECURITY COUNCIL PRESS STATEMENT ON SITUATION IN GAZA

The following Security Council press statement on the situation in Gaza was read out by Council President Hardeep Singh Puri (India):

The members of the Security Council expressed grave concern at the escalation and steep deterioration of the situation in Gaza and southern Israel and called on the parties to immediately halt all violence. 

The members of the Council strongly support the Government of Egypt and others’ efforts to work towards a negotiated ceasefire. The members of the Council welcome the mission of the United Nations Secretary General to the region.

The members of the Council called for all parties to address the serious humanitarian and economic needs in Gaza and recalled Resolution 1860 (2009), notably the call for the unimpeded provision and distribution throughout Gaza of humanitarian assistance, including of food, fuel and medical treatment.

The members of the Security Council deplored the loss of civilian lives resulting from this escalation and emphasized that the civilian populations must be protected

The members of the Council stressed the urgency of the restoration of calm in full.

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