the “most destructive assault”

Israel launches a large-scale military operation in the Gaza Strip, which lasts until 18 January 2009 and is described as the “most destructive assault” in the history of the oPt. A fact-finding mission of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) reports that 1,387 Palestinians are killed, including 773 who are not taking part in the hostilities; 320 are minors. Nine Israeli soldiers lose their lives in the fighting, four to friendly fire, while four Israeli adults are killed by Palestinian rocket and mortar attacks in southern Israel; three are civilians. Fifty-one UNRWA installations are damaged, including seven health centres and the Agency’s Gaza field office. The UNRWA warehouse in Gaza City is hit several times by Israeli shells, burning to the ground and destroying hundreds of tons of food and medicine. In 2010, Israel pays compensation of US$10.5 million to the United Nations, including for the UNRWA warehouse, which is rebuilt by 2013.