UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has blamed Hamas for violating the latest UN-brokered 72-hour cease-fire in Gaza.
Stephane Dujarric is a Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General.
"The Secretary-General condemns in the strongest terms the reported violation by Hamas of the mutually agreed humanitarian ceasefire which commenced this morning. He is shocked and profoundly disappointed by these developments."
The UN spokesperson also demanded the release of an Israeli soldier reportedly captured by Hamas after the ceasefire started.
"According to the latest reports, two IDF (Israeli Defence Force) soldiers were killed and one taken captive after the humanitarian ceasefire came into effect. This would constitute a grave violation of the ceasefire. Such moves call into question the credibility of Hamas' assurances to the United Nations. The Secretary-General demands the immediate and unconditional release of the captured soldier."
Israel and Hamas accused each other of breaking the cease-fire.
The ceasefire had been announced by the United States and the United Nations and took effect at 8 a.m. local time on Friday.
The fighting broke out less than two hours later, and the apparent capture of the Israeli soldier could lead to a major escalation of the 25-day-old conflict.
