Secretary-General condemns violation of ceasefire/Aid orgs appeal for financial aid to meet Gaza's humanitarian needs - SG's Spokesperson's noon briefing (excerpts)

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE NOON BRIEFING
BY STEPHANE DUJARRIC, SPOKESMAN FOR SECRETARY-GENERAL BAN KI-MOON

FRIDAY, 1 AUGUST 2014

SECRETARY-GENERAL CONDEMNS VIOLATION OF HUMANITARIAN CEASEFIRE IN GAZA

The Secretary-General condemned in the strongest terms the reported violation by Hamas of the mutually agreed humanitarian ceasefire which commenced this morning. He is shocked and profoundly disappointed by these developments.
The Secretary-General noted that the UN has no independent means to verify exactly what happened. According to the latest reports, two IDF soldiers were killed and one taken captive after the humanitarian ceasefire came into effect. This would constitute a grave violation of the ceasefire, and one that is likely to have very serious consequences for the people of Gaza, Israel and beyond. Such moves call into question the credibility of Hamas' assurances to the United Nations. The Secretary-General demands the immediate and unconditional release of the captured soldier.
The Secretary-General is deeply concerned about the resumption of Israeli attacks on Gaza and the killing of over 70 Palestinians this morning. Instead of giving both sides, especially Gazan civilians, a much needed reprieve to let them attend to their injured, bury their dead and repair vital infrastructure, this breach of the ceasefire is now leading to a renewed escalation.
The Secretary-General urged both sides to show maximum restraint and return to the agreed 72-hour humanitarian ceasefire that tragically lasted such a brief period of time. He also urges those with influence over the parties to do everything to convince them to observe the humanitarian ceasefire.

AID ORGANIZATIONS IN GAZA APPEAL FOR $369 MILLION TO URGENTLY MEET HUMANITARIAN NEEDS

Aid agencies in Gaza have today appealed for US$369 million to meet urgent humanitarian needs in Gaza. The appeal focuses on supporting access to
health and water, as well as addressing the needs of the estimated 440,000 people who have been displaced in the fighting
The situation for the civilians of Gaza and the UN Relief and Works Agency’s (UNRWA) ability to deal with what has become a human displacement crisis of huge proportions is reaching breaking point. The reported end of the ceasefire is going to add to an already intolerable burden
UNRWA says that there are 86 UNRWA emergency shelters, housing more than 225,000 displaced people, an increase of 10 per cent in 24 hours. There as many as 3,500 people in some, placing intolerable burdens on UNRWA and its ability to deliver adequate services.
To date, there have been six incidents at five different UNRWA schools housing displaced people which have been directly hit by Israeli shelling (Jabalia and Beit Hanoun being the latest) An estimated 106 UNRWA installations have been damaged since 1 June, 2014, many of them on multiple occasions.

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Secretary-General condemns violation of ceasefire/Aid orgs appeal for financial aid to meet Gaza’s humanitarian needs – SG’s Spokesperson’s noon briefing (excerpts)