Ladies and Gentlemen,

Let me say a few words about two other issues.

First, as you are aware, in the past hour or so, Israel has launched a ground offensive against Gaza. I regret that despite my repeated urgings, and those of many regional and world leaders together, an already dangerous conflict has now escalated even further. In the past 24 hours, there have been a number of incidents involving the deaths of civilians, including the appalling killing of four boys on a beach in Gaza City. I urge Israel to do far more to stop civilian casualties. There can be no military solution to this conflict. This applies as much to Israel-Palestine as it does to Syria.