UNITED NATIONS, May 13, 2008 -- UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon condemned on Tuesday the killing of a school teacher serving with the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

The secretary-general "extends his condolences to the family and children of Wafa Shaker El-Daghma, and to her UNRWA colleagues who carry out such important work in the service of Palestine refugees," Ban's spokesperson Michele Montas told reporters.

El-Daghma, a mother of six, was killed in an operation conducted by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) at her home last Thursday.

The secretary-general "also reiterates his call upon Israel to exercise maximum care and restraint, and reminds the IDF of its responsibilities to protect civilians under international humanitarian law during its military operations," Montas added.

UNRWA has called for an impartial investigation into the incident in a letter sent to the Israeli authorities, and the secretary-general fully supports this call, she added.