UNITED NATIONS, May 22 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon condemned on Tuesday "criminal attacks" in Lebanon, and called on the Lebanese people to unite in confronting the challenges.

    In a statement released by his spokesperson, Ban deplored the criminal attacks carried out over the past several days against the Lebanese Army and security forces.

    "These actions constitute an assault on Lebanon's stability and sovereignty, and have seriously endangered civilians," he noted, stressing that they must halt immediately.

    The Secretary-General also deplored the latest attack on humanitarian supply convoy of UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, and expressed his grave concern about the conditions for Palestinians living in Nahr el-Bared refugee camp.

    He is deeply saddened by the civilian casualties that have resulted, and called for the immediate establishment of safe corridors to allow medical staff to assist and evacuate those in need.

    Meanwhile, Ban strongly condemned the second terrorist bombing that took place Monday in the Verdun district of Beirut, and appealed to the Lebanese people to unite in confronting the challenges facing their country.