Abbas calls for international help

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United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon (2nd L) meets with Mahmoud Abbas (2nd R, front), president of the Palestinian Authority, to discuss the crisis in  Gaza at the United Nations in New York, Jan. 6, 2009. (Xinhua/Hou Jun)

Israeli Ambassador to the UN, Gabriela Shalev, said Hamas "has no interest in making peace". She also insisted Hamas only wants to inflict terror on Israel and "tyranny" in Gaza, where its forces hide among innocent civilians.

Gabriela Shalev, Israeli Ambassador to the UN, said, "But the Hamas regime that brutally seized control of Gaza, murdering scores of fellow Palestinians, has no interest in peace and prosperity. It is vehemently opposed to negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians."

The U.N. Secretary-General has expressed his concerns over the crisis.

Ban Ki-moon says an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian measures are urgently needed.

Ban Ki-moon, U.N. Secretary-General, said, "There must be an immediate ceasefire durable and respected fully by all sides. Immediate humanitarian measures including open crossings for humanitarian assistance should be ensured. In addition viable international mechanisms will be required to ensure that borders are properly functioning."

The UN Secretary-General also announced that he would travel to Israel and the Palestinian territories next week to support efforts to end the crisis.