Civilians of Gaza have right to live in peace, security - Ban

NEW YORK, April 27 (KUNA) -- UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon expressed Monday profound concern at civilian population of Gaza Strip and Israel, and their right to live in peace and security, free from the threat of violence and terrorism.
Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq told reporters at the briefing that Ban transmitted to the UN Security Council (UNSC) and other bodies the public summary of the Board of Inquiry regarding attacks affecting United Nations personnel, premises and operations in the Gaza Strip during the recent Israeli aggression on the strip.
Ban expressed his deepest appreciation for the bravery of and outstanding efforts undertaken by UN staff members in Gaza during the course of the conflict.
Haq said that Ban welcomed the professionalism displayed by the Board during the course of its work researching and analyzing the events depicted in the report, and thanked the chairman, Patrick Cammaert, and its Members for concluding this inquiry.
Furthermore, the Board appreciated its reception by the Palestinian Authority and meetings with local authorities in Gaza.
The Board reviewed and investigated seven incidents involving the loss of 44 Palestinian lives, of which Israeli were responsible, and at least 227 injured or damage at UN facilities, showed pages of the inquiry report, available to the press, but not mentioned in the briefing.
They also reviewed three incidents involving weapons found in UNRWA schools, including instances in which Palestinian armed groups may have used UNRWA school premises to launch attacks.
"Reflecting his personal anguish at this deplorable turn of events, Ban noted that the agony of Palestinian civilians in Gaza, and the tragic, decades-long predicament they endure there, is reflected in the report of the Board of Inquiry," Haq added.
"We should also bear in mind that Israeli civilians in southern Israel continue to face the threat of rocket and terrorist attacks by Hamas and other militant groups," Ban reported.
There has still been no progress on the critical elements that would secure long-term peace for the people of the region, Ban added.
More than ever, the UN official urged the need of a durable cease-fire, which includes an end to arms smuggling, the opening of the crossings, more progress on the reconstruction of Gaza, and greater steps toward implementing the Beach Camp accord which addressed the much needed Palestinian reconciliation.
More importantly, he added, "we need to give new momentum to the search for a resolution of the conflict in the Middle East." Ban called for a direct Israeli-Palestinian negotiations resumption, and the support of process by the the international community. (end) mao.bs