UN's Annan speaks out against Israel's Gaza offensive

UNITED NATIONS, Oct 12 (AFP) - UN Secretary General Kofi Annan spoke out on Tuesday against Israel's military offensive in the Gaza Strip, which has left more than 110 people dead in the past two weeks.
"The secretary general is deeply troubled by the continuing military action and violence in the northern Gaza Strip, with the high toll of deaths and injuries among the civilian population," his spokesman said in a statement.
"The secretary general once again reiterates his deep conviction that there exists no military solution to the conflict, and calls again on both parties to cease all forms of violence and to renew their search for a peaceful settlement of the conflict," the statement said.
Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, keen to deliver a decisive blow to Palestinian militants before next year's planned pullout from Gaza, has continued the operation despite reported reservations of some senior officers.
The United States last week vetoed a UN Security Council resolution calling on Israel to stop the Gaza offensive.