Israel/Palestinians: Israeli Use of Human Shields

Question: Do you have any comment regarding the use of human shields by the Israeli Defense Force?  Do you have any specific comment on the incident in which a young man was killed after being sent by the IDF to knock on the door of suspected Hamas operatives?

Answer: We extend our condolences to the family of the young man who lost his life in this incident on Wednesday.  We have long maintained that non-combatants must not be put in harm's way and that all reasonable steps must be taken to safeguard civilian lives.  We have made these views known to the Israeli government.  As I said on Thursday, we call upon all parties to do their utmost to bring the violence and terror to an end, so that progress can be made towards restoration of a political dialogue.