United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is asking for an immediate halt to the renewed violence in the Middle East, calling it “unacceptable.”

In a news conference at the U.N., Ban said he is deeply alarmed by the heavy violence and bloodshed in Gaza.

He has asked international leaders for their help to bring a swift end to the situation.

Ban said he has criticized rocket attacks by Hamas on Israel but is also denouncing Israel's excessive use of military force in response to the attacks.