S. Korean lawmakers call for truce in Gaza

SEOUL, Jan. 8 (Yonhap) -- South Korean lawmakers submitted a resolution Thursday
calling for a ceasefire to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine and
urging the government to contribute to international efforts in the war-torn
region.
Rep. Hong Jung-wook of the ruling Grand National Party submitted the resolution
to the National Assembly, pressing Israel and Hamas to negotiate a truce through
"talks for a peace settlement."
More than 5,000 people have fled the border area of Gaza City, seeking refuge at
U.N. shelters, according to press reports.
The resolution, signed by 17 other members of the parliament's foreign affairs
committee, also urged the government to take part in international efforts to
protect Palestinian civilians and rebuild the heavily bombarded Gaza Strip.
"Brute confrontations between the two sides have brought about large civilian
casualties," Hong said, explaining what motivated him to introduce the
resolution.
More than 680 Palestinians are reported to have been killed during 12 days of
Israeli air and ground assaults, including some 350 civilians with 130 children
among the casualties, according to Palestinian officials.
odissy@yna.co.kr
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