A/HRC/12/37 page 10 resulting in the death of three persons.32 On 6 January, another UNRWA school, the Jabalia Preparatory Boys School and its immediate vicinity, was hit, resulting in the death of an estimated 30-40 persons.33 On 15 January, the main UNRWA compound in Gaza was hit by Israeli shells, resulting in the destruction of vehicles, foodstuffs and other humanitarian supplies, and approximately 6,500 square metres of warehouse space. Approximately 700 Palestinians fleeing Israeli attacks had been receiving shelter in this compound.34 The Israeli Defence Minister reportedly stated that Hamas militants had opened fire at Israeli Armed Forces from areas adjacent to the United Nations facilities, and that the shelling was in self-defence.35 Subsequently, however, he reportedly apologized for the attack, calling it a “grave mistake”.36 23. On 11 February 2009, the Secretary-General appointed a United Nations Headquarters Board of Inquiry to review and investigate nine incidents that occurred between 27 December 2008 and 18 January 2009 at United Nations premises in Gaza causing death, injury or damage. Of the nine incidents it investigated, the Board of Inquiry found IDF responsible for casualties and damages in seven incidents. In one incident it determined that the most serious damage was caused by a Palestinian rocket most likely fired by Hamas, and in the final incident it said it was unable to reach a conclusion as to which party was responsible.37 24. Israel has alleged that civilians and civilian infrastructure were impermissibly used by combatants in Gaza on a wide scale during the conflict,38 and at least one IDF report contains a photograph of weapons apparently stored in a mosque in Gaza.39 This conclusion has been challenged by international human rights organizations, whose investigations have concluded 32 Summary by the Secretary-General of the report of the United Nations Headquarters Board of Inquiry into certain incidents in the Gaza Strip between 27 December 2008 and 19 January 2009 (A/63/855-S/2009/250), paras. 10-17. 33 Ibid., paras 18-28. 34 UNRWA, Refugee Stories: “Attacks against the UN in Gaza must be investigated”, January 2009. 35 Ibid. 36 Associated Press, 15 January 2009. 37 See A/63/855-S/2009/250, para. 9. 38 Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, “Hamas exploitation of civilians”, 13 January 2009. 39 See report issued by the Israeli Intelligence Heritage and Commemoration Center, available through a link on the home page of the Israeli Foreign Ministry Internet website.