He called for an immediate meeting between UN Security Council members and the outgoing secretary-general Kofi Annan to discuss ways to avoid the escalation of the conflict in the occupied territories.
"I think this act is a cause of deep concern which comes at a time when a peaceful settlement to the Lebanon issue is being pursued after the UN Security Council passed a resolution," Ban told AFP.
"After acquainting myself with more details, I will embark on necessary talks and in the first place, I hope UN Security Council member states and secretary general Kofi Annan will start talks immediately," he said.
He made the remarks following a ceremony which marked an end to his 37 years of service at the foreign ministry.
Ban officially resigned as South Korea's foreign minister Friday and takes over the top UN post on January 1.
Wednesday's Israeli strike in Gaza was condemned world-wide. Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas accused Israel of sinking chances of peace and declared a three-day mourning period in the Palestinian territories.
Israel came under further fire Thursday during a UN Security Council debate.
It reiterated "deep sorrow and regret" for what it called the accidental shelling of civilians.

Copyright AFP (Agence France-Presse), 2006