UNITED NATIONS, Jan 27: UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan on Sunday deplored Israeli incursions in the Gaza strip that killed at least 14 Palestinians.

In a statement issued here, Mr Annan said he deeply regretted the loss of life and injury.

He also expressed concern over the rocket attacks against Israel and maintained such actions were counterproductive to peace efforts such as the Palestinian ceasefire talks under way in Cairo.