This means the prospect for a more devastating and widespread global conflict is greater than ever.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: The real Axis of Evil

If anything it's become even more unbearable in the months since I had those conversations and I think eventually, and I hope it's very soon, people there are going to recognise that this conflict, grinding, demoralising, dehumanising, devastating to people on both sides, has to stop and they've got to learn to live side-by-side in negotiation and in peace.

BBC: News | BREAKFAST WITH FROST | Senator George Mitchell

"This utterly unacceptable escalation of the conflict could lead to a devastating loss of civilian life and a humanitarian disaster, " he said.

BBC: Middle East