A statement issued by the Ministry of Interior and National Security, regarding the claim of placement of weapons in UNRWA-run school in the Gaza Strip

Gaza-MOI 
On Friday, 18 July 2014, Mr. Jan, UNRWA Security and Safety Director in the Gaza Strip called the Delegations and Foreigners Security Director at the Interior Ministry, claiming that unknown weapons were discovered in UNRWA-run school in Shate'a refugee camp to the west of Gaza city. Due to the Israeli heavy bombing, UNRWA security officials were approached to provide guarantees for the Palestinian police to head to the school at question, or at least provide UNRWA vehicle to head to the school to establish their claim, but the organisation apologised and refused to cooperate with us. So far, we have not seen any weapons or proven its existence. It is therefore a claim has gone unproven. The Ministry of Interior and National Security condemns UNRWA for issuing a statement announcing the discovery of weapons in one of its schools, and confirming such discovery by itself without following the necessary procedures. We emphasize the following: First: The Interior Ministry confirms that it will do its job in providing security and protection for all citizens and the headquarters of local and international institutions, as well as protecting the Palestinian resistance. Second: The Ministry contacted all the resistance factions in Gaza, and they all expressed their strict rejection for the use of schools and civil institutions. Third: What happened is nothing but a fabrication to justify the targeting of civilians and to find a cover in advance for the crimes that are being committed by the Israeli occupation in the Gaza Strip. Fourth: All UNRWA schools are guarded by UNRWA security guards round the clock. Thus, we wonder how persons could have entered into the school and stored such weapons without being detected? Fifth: The Palestinian resistance does not need to use schools to store weapons or military equipment. Sixth: The Ministry requests UNRWA to maintain accuracy and objectivity, especially amidst the Israeli unjust war that is targeting civilians, women and children.
Ministry of Interior and National Security