Secretary-General Visits Gaza UNRWA Projects, Expresses Concern

 

over Plight of Palestinians Jailed in Israel

 

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

Today the Secretary-General travelled to Gaza and visited a United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) housing project and a school, where he joined girl students in their classroom.  He also met with children who suffered serious injuries during the conflict.  He was deeply moved by their stories.

Unfortunately, representatives of civil society cancelled a scheduled lunch to protest against the situation of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.  The Secretary-General regrets this missed opportunity for an important exchange with Gazan civil society representatives.

The Secretary-General is concerned about the situation of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.  Last night, he met with the Palestinian Minister for Prisoners Affairs, Issa Karake, and received a letter outlining specific concerns.

The United Nations continues to call on Israel to abide by its obligations under international law.

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For information media • not an official record