The following statement was issued yesterday, 23 May, by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:
The Secretary-General condemns the act of vandalism by intruders against a United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) summer games facility for children in Gaza. UNRWA’s extensive summer games programmes offer a rare opportunity for relief from the deprivations and difficulties of everyday life in Gaza. This action is an attempt to intimidate and harm the most defenceless in Gaza. The Secretary-General calls upon the de facto authorities to ensure the safety of the United Nations operations and to allow UNRWA to carry out its work unhindered.