U.N. chief condemns reported Hamas breach of Gaza ceasefire

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon condemned on Friday the reported violation by Islamist Hamas militants of a 72-hour humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza and demanded the immediate, unconditional release of a captured Israeli soldier. "He is shocked and profoundly disappointed by these developments," U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said. "The Secretary-General is deeply concerned about the resumption of Israeli attacks on Gaza." "The Secretary-General urges both sides to show maximum restraint and return to the agreed 72-hour humanitarian ceasefire that tragically lasted such a brief period of time," Dujarric said. (Reporting by Michelle Nichols)