A year after the Gaza war, Israel has paid the United Nations $ 10.5 million as compensation for damaging its offices during an attack by the country’s defence forces on Hamas.
The UN main centre in Gaza, which had hundred tons of food and medicine, and three schools run by the world body for Palestinian children were damaged in an attack on Hamas by the Israeli forces that lasted from December 27, 2008 to January 19, 2009.
The UN Headquarters Board of Inquiry held discussions with Israel over the amount of compensation for the attack, following which “an arrangement was finalised between the UN and Israel.”
“Pursuant to that arrangement, Israeli Government has made a payment of $ 10.5 million to the UN in respect of the losses sustained by it in the incidents that were investigated by the UN Headquarters Board of Inquiry early last year,” UN spokesperson Martin Nesirky told reporters here.
Asking for lifting of the closure of Gaza, Mr. Nesirky said “these monies would not of themselves repair buildings and facilities damaged. Unhindered and expedited passage of actual cement and other building materials was urgently required, so that the people of Gaza can rebuild their homes and their economy.”
