UNITED NATIONS, April 9 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan on Sunday voiced concern over the recent upsurge in Middle East violence and called on Israel and Palestinians to refrain from any measures that could escalate the violence.

    Annan "is extremely concerned about the continuation and intensification of violence in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory, including indiscriminate rocket attacks against Israel from Gaza, a suicide bombing last week, and major Israeli reprisal operations," a UN spokesman said in a statement.

    Annan called on the Palestinian Authority "to take a clear public stand against violence and to take firm measures against the perpetrators of rocket attacks and suicide bombings."

    He urged the Israeli government to "ensure that its response are proportionate and do not endanger the civilian population."

    Annan asked both sides "to act in conformity with international law, and to refrain from taking any steps which further escalate the violence," according to the statement.

    Israel escalated military operations in the occupied Palestinian territory in recent days in retaliation for Palestinian rocket attacks against Israel. Media reports said a total of 15 Palestinians, including one child, have died in Israeli air and artillery strikes since Friday. Enditem