Statement by the President of the Security Council [S/PRST/2006/35]

Expresses its extreme shock and distress at the shelling by the Israeli Defense Forces of a residential building in Qana, in southern Lebanon, which has caused the killing of dozens of civilians, mostly children, and injured many others; sends its deepest condolences to the families of the victims and to the Lebanese people; strongly deplores this loss of innocent lives and the killing of civilians in the present conflict and requests the Secretary-General to report to it within one week on the circumstances of this tragic incident; deplores any action against UN personnel and calls for full respect for the safety and security of all UN personnel and premises; affirms its determination to work without any further delay to adopt a resolution for a lasting settlement of the crisis, drawing on diplomatic efforts under way.