United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said , according to DPA Wednesday he was "very concerned" that the Israeli government has branded the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip an "enemy entity" and threatened to cut off electricity and fuel to the population there. "Such a step would be contrary to Israel's obligations towards the civilian population under international humanitarian and human rights law," Ban said in a statement. The UN has widespread humanitarian responsibilities in Gaza and toward its 1.4 million people, who should not be punished "for the unacceptable actions of militants and extremists," Ban said. "I call on Israel to reconsider this decision," Ban said. He said the continued rocket shelling of Israel by Hamas militants from Gaza is "unacceptable and deplorable." He urged a stop to the shelling. "I understand Israel's security concerns over this matter," he said.