The New Zealand government on Friday welcomed the announcement by U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki- Moon and U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry of a 72-hour humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza.

"New Zealanders are rightly shocked at the events unfolding in Gaza and we call on both sides to implement an immediate ceasefire, " Foreign Minister Murray McCully said in a statement.

"We have condemned the recent shelling of UN buildings, including schools, which are being used by civilians as safe shelter and we are dismayed by the appalling and unacceptable civilian death toll in this conflict," said McCully.

"Both sides have fallen short of their obligations under international law to protect civilians. We have repeatedly called for an end to rocket attacks from Gaza and for an end to Israel's military operations in the territory."

The New Zealand government also welcomed the announcement that Israeli and Palestinian delegations are heading to Cairo for negotiations with the government of Egypt, and hoped the talks could bring about a more durable ceasefire. Endi

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