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

TUESDAY, 15 JULY 2014

/…

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 , 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.

/…


Document symbol:
Document Type: Briefing, Highlights of the Noon Briefing
Document Sources: Secretary-General, United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA)
Subject: Armed conflict, Casualties, Gaza Strip, House demolitions, Incursions, Internally displaced persons, Population, Protection, Security issues, Shelter
Publication Date: 15/07/2014