Cache of rockets found in UN school in Gaza

Jerusalem

A cache of rockets was found earlier today at an UNRWA school in central Gaza. The discovery came during a regular UNRWA inspection of the school, which was closed for the summer and not being used as a shelter. All the relevant parties have been notified.

“We condemn the group or groups who endangered civilians by placing these munitions in our school”, said UNRWA Spokesperson, Chris Gunness. “This is yet another flagrant violation of the neutrality of our premises. We call on all the warring parties to respect the inviolability of UN property.”

Because of fighting in the vicinity of the school we have been unable to get a UN munitions expert to the school, but we hope to do as soon as the security conditions allow.

Afternote

UNRWA Nuseirat Preparatory Co-educational “B” School on 29 July 2014

The Secretary-General convened a UN HQ Board of Inquiry (BOI) on 10 November 2014 in order to investigate a number of incidents between 8 July and 26 August 2014 affecting or involving United Nations personnel, premises and operations, including the report of the presence of weaponry at this school. The Secretary-General released a summary of the BOI report on 27 April 2015 (S/2015/286).  The summary indicates that the items found were not rockets; the Board found that on 29 July a 120 mm mortar tube, a 120 mm mortar bipod and three 120 mm mortar containers were found.