UN chief seeks inquiry into Gaza school attacks

United Nations chief Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday called for those responsible for the bombing of U.N.-run buildings and schools in Gaza to be held accountable following Israel's 22-day assault of the impoverished strip.

"It is an outrageous and totally unacceptable attack on the United Nations," Ban said, speaking outside the still-smoldering main U.N. compound in Gaza City that was bombed during the war.

"There must be a full investigation, a full explanation to make sure it never happens again. There should be accountability through a proper judiciary system," he said.

During the Gaza assault Israel bombarded several U.N. infrastructures where hundreds of people had taken shelter. Israel apologized for the incidents but said its forces were responding to shooting from gunmen at the United Nations Relief and Works (UNRWA) facility, which U.N. officials have vehemently denied.

Hamas held a rally outside the compound during Ban's visit, calling for international recognition of its Gaza-based government.

It is an outrageous and totally unacceptable attack on the United Nations...There must be a full investigation, a full explanation to make sure it never happens again. There should be accountability through a proper judiciary system

UN chief

Stark scenes

Ban voiced shock at stark scenes of destruction as he visited the impoverished strip and Israel poised to withdraw its troops before the U.S. presidential inauguration later in the day.

Ban, on a Middle East tour, was the highest-ranking international figure to visit the territory since separately declared ceasefires ended a 22-day Israeli assault.

"I have seen only a fraction of the destruction. This is shocking and alarming," Ban said, condemning the "excessive use" of force by Israel and militants' rocket salvoes.

"These are heartbreaking scenes I have seen and I am deeply grieved by what I have seen today," he told a news conference.

I have seen only a fraction of the destruction. This is shocking and alarming...These are heartbreaking scenes I have seen and I am deeply grieved by what I have seen today

Ban Ki-Moon

Palestinian reconciliation

Ban called for Palestinian reconciliation and said the U.N. would work with any united Palestinian government to rebuild Gaza.

Many Palestinians returned to the rubble of what used to be their homes in Gaza city suburbs that were hard hit during the blitz. They picked through debris, trying to salvage belongings.

Two children playing with unexploded ordnance were killed when it detonated, Hamas officials said.

Ban, who met Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert before travelling to the Gaza Strip, planned to visit southern Israel, an area hit by Palestinian rockets during the Gaza war, later in the day.

At the prime minister's office, Ban said he wanted to help to make the ceasefire "durable".

Gaza medical officials said the Palestinian dead hit at least 1,300 people. Israel said ten soldiers and three civilians were killed in fighting or rockets.