On Sunday, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas formally suspended contacts with Israel to protest what he called Israel’s criminal war on the Palestinian people. The international community widely condemned Israel’s attack on Gaza. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called on Palestinians to stop launching rocket attacks, while criticizing Israel’s actions.

Ban Ki-moon: “While recognizing Israel’s right to defend itself, I condemn the disproportionate and excessive use of force that has killed and injured so many civilians, including children. I call on Israel to cease such attacks. Israel must fully comply with international humanitarian law and exercise the utmost restraint.”