Secretary-General concerned over killings on UN agency premises

Following is a statement attributable to the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General continues to be deeply concerned at the upsurge in violence in the occupied Palestinian territory and Israel.  He was saddened to learn of the death of 10-year-old Raghda Adnan al-Assar, who died on 22 September after being hit in the head by an IDF bullet whilst sitting at her desk at the UNRWAElementary School in Khan Younis on 7 September.  On 27 September, 55-year-old Said al-Madhoun was shot and killed on the grounds of UNRWA’s Preparatory School in Khan Younis.  In addition, an UNRWA contractor was shot and seriously wounded on 27 September while working in a UN warehouse in Rafah.

The Secretary-General and his representatives in the region have repeatedly called on the Government of Israel to respect the inviolability of UN institutions and installations, and in particular, to refrain from any activities that endanger the lives and safety of those who are lawfully on the premises, especially children.  The Secretary-General reiterates the obligation for the Government of Israel to ensure the safety of civilians in the occupied Palestinian territory.

* *** *