UN chief heading to Midde East to press for ceasefire

United Nations: UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon starts a Middle East tour on Tuesday to press for Israel and Hamas to immediately stop fighting.

Weeks of clashes have hampered the distribution of humanitarian aid into the devastated Palestinian territory.

Ban said he plans to step up diplomatic efforts to get both sides to adhere to a UN cease-fire resolution calling for an end to Israeli offensive and Hamas rocket fire.

Ban leaves New York on Tuesday and will meet senior officials in Egypt and Jordan on Wednesday, then head to Israel, the West Bank, Turkey, Lebanon, Syria and Kuwait, where he said an Arab League summit may add an extra session.

His itinerary does not include a stop in Gaza because of the conflict.