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Press Statement by Liew Chin Tong in Bukit Bendera on Monday, 5th January 2009: Violence in Gaza - immediate ceasefire  DAP is deeply upset and saddened by the violence in Gaza, which is resulting in heavy civilian casualties. This has to stop immediately. We call on all the parties involved – Israel and Hamas – to agree to an immediate ceasefire. This is to only way to stop further loss of lives and properties. We also believe that the suitable forum to resolve the conflict is through diplomatic channels, particularly with the United Nations. DAP fully supports the call by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon that: "All this must stop. Both Israel and Hamas must halt their acts of violence and take all necessary measures to avoid civilian casualties. A ceasefire must be declared immediately. They must also curb their inflammatory rhetoric." We urge the Malaysian government to take up a more serious effort, either through the UN, the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) or any other diplomatic channels, in ending the escalating violence. Our main focus should be to end civilian casualties and provide humanitarian assistance to the injured. The innocents on all sides must be protected at all costs. * Liew Chin Tong, DAP International Secretary & MP for Bukit Bendera