United Nations Radio

Civilians continue to get caught in the crossfire in Gaza.

Gazans in war zone

In one of the latest incidents a school run by the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) was hit by artillery fire resulting in at least 30 deaths and 55 injuries. UNRWA had been using the school to provide refuge for 350 civilians fleeing the violence. John Ging, UNRWA's Director of Operations in Gaza says one of the largest challenges the people of Gaza now face is what to do in order to keep safe:

"Yesterday we had 5,000 people seeking refuge in our schools throughout the Gaza Strip. This morning,g that number had risen to 14,000. The number continues to grow. Of course, the strikes against the schools has meant that people now quickly realize that they are not a safe haven. People don't know what to do. And I have no advice for them. Other than, I will do my very best to try and communicate that the only solution for the people here, for the civilian population is a cease fire."

Reportedly Israeli authorities are claiming that militants were firing from the school and that it why it was targeted. The Director says all who enter the shelter are carefully vetted and that there is zero tolerance for any actions that violate the integrity of UNRWA facilities. UNRWA has called for an impartial investigation into the bombing.

Gail Walker, United Nations
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