Israel Uses White Phosphorus in Strike on UN Compound in Gaza

BBC reports:

Speaking to reporters on the Israel-Gaza border, Unrwa spokesman Christopher Gunness said three of the agency's employees were hurt in the attack on its compound in Gaza City.

He said the compound was hit by what Unrwa believed to be three white phosphorus shells, which are incendiary weapons used to create smoke screens.

UNRWA Gaza on a better day in Feb 2008 (photo at right) - Source.

The BBC's Rushdi Abualouf describes the scene outside his home. About 700 people were still sheltering in the compound, he said, and the fire had been burning close to five full fuel tanks.

Mr Gunness added that Unrwa would not be able to distribute food or medical supplies on Thursday as its trucks were unable to leave the compound.

An Israeli security source said Israeli defence minister Ehud Barak had told Mr Ban that he regretted that UN personnel had been hurt, but denied that Mr Barak had said it was a "grave mistake".