NEW YORK
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has set up a commission of inquiry into Israel's attacks on UN facilities during its summer onslaught in Gaza, his office said Monday.
The independent investigation will analyze specific incidents in which civilians were killed and damage done to schools run by the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees.
Six UN schools that were providing shelter to thousands of displaced Palestinian civilians were reportedly targeted by Israeli forces during the 51-day military offensive that began July 7.
The probe led by Maj. Gen. Patrick Cammaert, a former military adviser at the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations, will also look into the alleged use of UN premises by Palestinian fighters to store weapons.
"The Secretary-General expects that the Board will enjoy the full cooperation of all parties concerned," his spokesperson said.
More than 2,000 Gazans, mostly civilians, were killed and nearly 11,000 injured during seven weeks of Israeli attacks in July and August.
The offensive ended Aug. 26 with the announcement of an indefinite cease-fire agreement.
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