Special Coordinator Serry is dismayed at reports of a strike near an UNRWA school in Rafah sheltering 3,000 displaced Palestinians – UNSCO statement

Statement by the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Mr. Robert Serry,
 on the renewed escalation in Gaza, including the strike near an UNRWA school in Rafah  

Jerusalem, 3 August 2014

The Special Coordinator is dismayed at reports of a strike in the immediate vicinity of an UNRWA school in Rafah sheltering 3,000 displaced, which caused multiple deaths and injuries. The Special Coordinator condemns the loss of innocent civilian lives.

It is simply intolerable that another school has come under fire while designated to provide shelter for civilians fleeing the hostilities. The Special Coordinator repeats the call of the Secretary-General that all parties must respect the inviolability of UN premises and protect civilians.

The past 48 hours have seen renewed escalation and unbearable further loss of civilian lives, particularly in the Rafah area. This shocking violence underscores the urgent need, despite recent setbacks, for a ceasefire and negotiations between all parties in Cairo addressing the underlying issues. Mr. Serry calls on all parties to cooperate with ongoing international efforts to find a way out of this crisis and prevent the loss of more human lives.

ENDS