Israel to pay UN compensation for Gaza damage

Israel has agreed to pay the United Nations compensation for damage to the world bodys facilities in the Gaza Strip during its 22-day military offensive against Hamas last year, a UN spokesman said. Israeli bombardments hit the United Nations' main center in Gaza City and at least three U.N.-run schools were attacked. The losses, amounting to $11 million also included a warehouse filled with hundreds of tons of food and medicine. U.N. spokesman Martin Nesirky said details of the agreement would not be disclosed until the accord has been concluded and the payment made. He said there have been inaccuracies in news reports. A UN report in May criticized the Israeli military for negligence or recklessness during the siege of Gaza. Agreement has been reached in principle on terms of an arrangement under which Israel would make a payment to the United Nations, said the spokesman. The United Nations is now waiting for a green light from the government of Israel. Since the agreement is not yet finalized, it would not be appropriate for me to discuss its details.

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