UNITED NATIONS, Nov 21: Expressing deep concern over the humanitarian situation in the occupied Gaza, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon underscored the importance of having Israel urgently permit the delivery of humanitarian assistance to the civilian population of Gaza.

In a statement issued here by his spokesperson on Friday, the UN chief regretted that Israel had not “heeded” his calls to allow humanitarian aid to go inside the occupied Gaza.

The secretary-general had been briefed on the humanitarian situation in Gaza by the

UN Emergency Relief Coordinator, and Mr

Ban supported the statement released by his office on the issue, UN spokesperson Michelle Montas said.

Mr Ban reiterated his condemnation of rocket and other attacks by Palestinian militants against Israeli civilian targets, the statement said.

He called for an end to such attacks and urges full respect by all parties for the calm that has been in effect since June 19, 2008, it added.