SecGen asks UNRWA to fully investigate the incident at Gaza school – Daily press briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson (excerpts)

DAILY PRESS BRIEFING BY THE OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON FOR THE SECRETARY-GENERAL

AND THE SPOKESPERSON FOR THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY PRESIDENT

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**UNRWA

We were asked questions at briefings over the past two days about reports that Palestinian militants last week launched rockets at Israel from a school run by the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, or UNRWA.  The UNRWA Commissioner-General spoke about this yesterday, as you know, and I have the following to add to our response:

The Secretary-General has asked that UNRWA fully investigate this incident.  According to their inquiry, the school had been evacuated at the time of the incident to ensure the safety of the staff and children during an Israeli military incursion.  While the school was empty, militants entered the compound and fired rockets at Israel.

The Secretary-General condemns this abuse of United Nations facilities, which is a serious violation of the UN’s privileges and immunities.  He calls on all involved in this conflict to avoid actions that endanger the lives of civilians, especially children, and that put at risk UNRWA’s ability to carry out its humanitarian mission.

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