“The Secretary-General emphasizes that the conflict in the Middle East must not constitute a pretext for prejudice that could affect social peace and harmony anywhere,” said astatement issued late yesterday evening by Mr. Ban's spokesperson in New York.

According to media reports, since the start nearly a month ago of the Gaza conflict, demonstrations against the violence in several European countries and elsewhere have sparked anti-Semitic attacks, hate speech and, in some instances, even violence.

“He firmly believes that the conflict needs to be solved through an immediate cessation of violence and negotiations,” said the Secretary-General in his statement.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. UN Photo/Paulo Filgueiras (file photo)