UN condemns school strike, but doesn’t mention Israel

The UN’s special coordinator for the Middle East peace process releases a statement condemning today’s strike on an UNRWA school in Rafah, but takes care not to specifically blame Israel.

“The Special Coordinator is dismayed at reports of a strike in the immediate vicinity of an UNRWA school in Rafah sheltering 3,000 displaced, which caused multiple deaths and injuries,” reads the statement released by Robert Serry’s office. “The Special Coordinator condemns the loss of innocent civilian lives.

“It is simply intolerable that another school has come under fire while designated to provide shelter for civilians fleeing the hostilities. The Special Coordinator repeats the call of the Secretary-General that all parties must respect the inviolability of UN premises and protect civilians.”

“The past 48 hours have seen renewed escalation and unbearable further loss of civilian lives, particularly in the Rafah area. This shocking violence underscores the urgent need, despite recent setbacks, for a ceasefire and negotiations between all parties in Cairo addressing the underlying issues. Mr. Serry calls on all parties to cooperate with ongoing international efforts to find a way out of this crisis and prevent the loss of more human lives.”

Gaza medical authorities say that at least 10 were killed in the strike, and another 30 injured.