UNRWA reports that the level of human loss and destruction is immense in Gaza - SG's Spokesperson's noon briefing (excerpts)

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE NOON BRIEFING
BY FARHAN HAQ, DEPUTY SPOKESMAN FOR SECRETARY-GENERAL BAN KI-MOON

TUESDAY, 15 JULY 2014

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GAZA: LEVEL OF HUMAN LOSS, DESTRUCTION ‘IMMENSE, SAYS U.N. AGENCY

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) said today that the level of human loss and destruction in Gaza has been immense. During today’s Geneva press briefing, the Agency said that there have been 174 killed and well over 1,100 injured so far, but those numbers were increasing rapidly; a cause of concern was the large proportion of women and children among casualties. Also, 560 homes were completely destroyed and thousands of other buildings damaged in Israeli airstrikes.
Some 17,000 refugees have sought refuge in 20 UNRWA schools.
Asked about the ceasefire proposed by Egypt for Israel and Gaza, the Spokesman said that the Secretary-General spoke with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi on Sunday, 13 July. He appreciates and fully supports the Egyptian initiative for a cease-fire agreement. He is deeply worried that the fighting has not stopped, despite Israel’s readiness to accept the ceasefire proposal.
The Secretary-General calls on Hamas to cooperate with the Egyptian initiative, and urges all sides to build on this opening of a diplomatic channel. All parties must respect international humanitarian law. The United Nations will in the meantime continue providing much-needed emergency humanitarian assistance to Gaza.
Asked about damage to UN facilities in Gaza, the Spokesman noted that 47 UNRWA facilities had been reported as damaged as of Monday.

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UNRWA reports that the level of human loss and destruction is immense in Gaza – SG’s Spokesperson’s noon briefing (excerpts)