JERUSALEM, March 17, 2007 (WAFA)- The UN is gravely concerned by the recent attack on one of its most senior resident officials in Gaza.

Commenting on yesterday's assault on Mr. John Ging, UNRWA's Director of Operations in the Gaza Strip, the UN said in a press release this unprecedented incident has wide-reaching implications for UN programmes in the Gaza Strip.

"UN staff are working under extremely hazardous conditions to bring vital aid and daily services to the Palestinian people in Gaza, the press release added. "We can only continue to do so with the full support of all parties concerned to ensure that staff, property and supplies are respected and protected in accordance with International Humanitarian Law."

"The UN condemns any attack on aid workers in the strongest possible terms and calls on all parties to take all possible measures to ensure that UN programmes in Gaza may continue," the press release concluded.

M.H. (15:32 P) (13:32 GMT)