Secretary-General condemns Israeli firing on United Nations aid convoy in gaza,

Again calls for immediate ceasefire to allow full humanitarian access

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General condemns the Israel Defense Forces firing on a United Nations aid convoy in Gaza, the killing of two UNRWA (UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East) staff in separate incidents and the injuring of a contract worker.  Since the conflict began 13 days ago, four UNRWA local staff have been killed.  The United Nations is in close touch with the Israeli authorities about full investigation of this and other incidents, and about the need for urgent measures to avoid them in the future.

The Secretary-General calls once again for an immediate ceasefire in order to facilitate full and unhindered humanitarian access, and to allow aid workers to work in safety to reach persons in need.  UNRWA has been forced to suspend food distribution as it cannot guarantee the safety of its staff.  The inability of the United Nations to provide assistance in this worsening humanitarian crisis is unacceptable.

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*     Reissued to clarify the number of staff and incidents.

For information media • not an official record