Netanyahu and Ban Ki-moon
Netanyahu and Ban Ki-moonFlash 90

UN chief Ban Ki-moon called on Monday for renewed efforts to achieve a two-state solution in the Middle East following last week's ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

"More than ever, we need a negotiated two-state solution ending the occupation and the conflict," he said at the inauguration of a new center for interreligious dialogue in Vienna, according to AFP.

"I am determined to ensure that the ceasefire is sustainable. Both sides must adhere to the agreement," Ban said.

But this was not enough, he said.

"The underlying issues must be addressed. This is critical to regional stability. A just and comprehensive peace is our ultimate goal -- and it is the only way to bring lasting security to all," said the UN chief.

A ceasefire was agreed upon last Wednesday after the IDF hit more than 1,500 targets in Gaza during Operation Pillar of Defense, which was aimed at destroying Hamas’s terror infrastructure.

On Monday morning, however, IDF soldiers killed a Gaza terrorist after he broke into a Jewish home and stabbed a girl before fleeing.

On Friday, a violent clash erupted along the Gaza security fence. Gaza residents said one local man was killed by IDF fire and several others were wounded.

The IDF Spokesperson later indicated that the soldiers had to fire into the air because Gazans had caused a disturbance along the security fence.

In the wake of the incident, Hamas temporarily deployed police on Gaza's border with Israel over the weekend.

Meanwhile, in what Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman has described as “political terrorism”, Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas is preparing to present his bid for non-state UN membership this coming Thursday, November 29.

The Foreign Ministry is already working on its strategy for the day after the PA submits its bid for “observer state” status to a vote at the United Nations General Assembly. The 193-member world body is expected to approve the revised draft resolution circulated Monday by the PA.