Press release

8 Jan 2014

Beirut

ESCWA strongly condemns Israel’s attacks on UNRWA schools in Gaza:
another episode in a pattern of international law violations

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The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) joined the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in condemning in the strongest terms the shelling of the Jabalia Elementary Girls’ School on Wednesday, 30 July 2014. The targeted UNRWA-run school was a United Nations-designated shelter in Gaza and a safe haven for 3,300 civilians who had sought refuge there under the banner of the United Nations and international law. The Executive-Secretary of ESCWA, Ms. Rima Khalaf, affirmed that “ESCWA stands firmly behind UNRWA and its staff who, amidst dire conditions and scarce resources, have displayed legendary courage, dedication and compassion in defending the ideals of the United Nations and all human values”. She added that the attack was the sixth on an UNRWA-run school in Gaza since the start of the current Israeli offensive, and constituted part of a pattern of international humanitarian law violations since the beginning of the Israeli occupation of Palestine. This pattern has not only led to the loss of countless precious lives, perpetuated misery and suffering, but has also generated conditions that hinder any attempt to establish peace. Israeli violations of international law have been clearly documented by various United Nations organs, including the International Court of Justice, which is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations; in numerous General Assembly and Security Council resolutions; and in reports of the Secretary-General. Furthermore, reports by ESCWA, the United Nations body concerned with social and economic development in the Arab region, have detailed the detrimental effects of Israeli violations on the socioeconomic conditions of Palestinians living under Israeli occupation and on stability and development prospects in the region. Israel cannot remain unaccountable for its actions. Impunity and “deliberate defiance” of international law only foster further instability and threaten international peace and security. Khalaf extended her heartfelt condolences to the families of the innocent civilians killed during the ongoing Israeli offensive and to the families of the eight UNRWA staff members who lost their lives carrying out their noble duties. Khalaf added, “Our hearts bleed for the people of Gaza and its children, who have been living under inhumane conditions for so long, deprived of their most basic rights. While their suffering has been intensified by the recent escalation in violence, its root causes are the seven-year siege on the Gaza Strip and the ongoing Israeli military occupation since 1967”. It is time to address those root causes. A ceasefire and an end to the blockade are a categorical imperative. Comprehensive peace and the resolution of pertinent issues, as the Secretary-General concluded in his report on the impact of the Israeli occupation, “can only be achieved by ending the occupation, attaining the rights of the Palestinians… living under occupation, the implementation of relevant United Nations resolutions and the adherence to international law and norms”. ESCWA is the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia, the regional arm of the United Nations in Arab States. For further inquiries, please contact the ESCWA Communication and Information Unit on +961 70-993144, +961-3-910930 and +961 76-046402
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