Security Council meets on Gaza invasion

UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 3 (UPI) -- U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon Saturday called for an end to Israeli ground operations in Gaza, his spokeswoman said.

"He is convinced and alarmed that this escalation will inevitably increase the already heavy suffering of the affected civilian populations," Michele Montas said in a statement. "He called for an immediate end to the ground operation, and asked that Israel do all possible to ensure the protection of civilians and that humanitarian assistance is able to reach those in need."

The Security Council scheduled an emergency meeting Saturday night to discuss the invasion. Israeli troops entered Gaza after sunset Saturday, and Israel has called up its reservists.

Libya this week presented a draft resolution to the Security Council on Israeli airstrikes. The document accused Israel of aggression and did not mention the Hamas rocket attacks on Israel.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas left for New York Friday, anticipating a discussion of the Libyan proposal, Ynetnews reported. A number of foreign ministers from Arab states were expected to be at the United Nations as well.