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UN compound in Gaza hit by Israel
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But the UN has denied the allegation by Israel.
Chris Gunness, UN spokesman, said, "At no stage during the hours that the fighting engulfed our compound did anyone in the Israeli establishment, defense or otherwise, pick up the phone and tell us that there were militants in our compound."
The UN spokesman also said the international staff in Gaza had not seen any militants and he called for an investigation.
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency decided NOT to suspend its operations in Gaza even though Israeli shells hit its compound.
But British Prime Minister Gordon Brown condemned the attack, appealing for an immediate ceasefire.
Gordon Brown, UK Prime Minister, said, "When the United Nations is doing such vital work, humanitarian work amongst women and children in Gaza, no one can defend this attack by the Israeli forces on the compound. The Israelis have now admitted it's a serious mistake. I've said to Ban Ki-moon this afternoon we will step up our efforts for an immediate ceasefire."
The destruction delivered a sharp blow to efforts to ease what aid groups say is a full-fledged, humanitarian crisis is Gaza. The attack on the UN compound ratcheted up tensions between Israel and the international community even as diplomats indicated progress in cease-fire talks.
Editor:Zhang Yun