Annan 'deeply disturbed' by upsurge in middle east violence

United Nations secretary general, Kofi Annan, on Thursday said he was "deeply disturbed" by the recent upsurge of violence in the occupied Palestinian territories.

A spokesman for Annan said in a statement released at the UN in New York said the UN chief urged both parties to take the necessary steps to move away from violent confrontation and back to the negotiating table.

"Recent events have caused further serious damage to mutual confidence, and have deepened bitterness and despair," the statement said. "Yet, even at this most difficult of times, the Secretary-General would wish to remind Israelis and Palestinians that lasting peace and security for both can be achieved only through a negotiated settlement of their differences."

Conveying his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, Annan reiterated that the targeting of civilians "is unacceptable," the spokesman said.

Annan, who was in Stockholm, also spoke about the Middle East violence after he met with about two dozen representatives of non-governmental organizations at an event organized by the UN Association of Sweden.

"I'm distressed about what's going on in the region," the Secretary-General told reporters after the meeting. "What is happening is serious, and we need to continue and redouble our efforts to try and contain it before it gets completely out of hand."