United Nations, Ramadan 17, 1435, Jul 14, 2014, SPA -- UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Sunday expressed alarm that, despite a clear Security Council demand for a cease-fire, the situation in and around the Gaza Strip appeared to be worsening, with serious implications for the safety of civilians. “He strongly believes that it is in the interest of both sides that steps toward dangerous escalation be replaced with immediate measures to end the fighting, thus preventing further casualties and greater risks to regional peace and security,” Ban’s office said in a statement. “He demands both sides move in this direction now.” --SPA 20:08 LOCAL TIME 17:08 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/w