United Nations The league also expressed their concerns over the “lack of concrete progress in the Quartet’s work” as well as on “the deteriorating situation on the ground [in Palestine]” and asked for the U.N. to take “an increasing role” in alleviating the escalating crisis. The league suggested that the Secretary General be included in “a field trip to Gaza Strip” to “assess first hand the humanitarian situation.” The U.N. spokesperson’s office told SPA on Wednesday that Ban has heard the league and “will take them into consideration.” There is no comment on whether or not Ban will agree to a trip, the U.N. spokesperson’s office added. Increased violence in the Gaza Strip and southern Israel have claimed the lives of 108 Palestinians, injured 229, killed three Israelis, and injured 24 more, a senior U.N. official said in late January.--SPA www.spa.gov.sa/524891