Image Source: Anadolu Ajansi
Occupied Gaza Strip – The United Nations has strongly condemned an Israeli airstrike strike on two UN guesthouses in Deir al Balah, Gaza, which killed a United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) staff member. This latest attack brings the number of UN personnel killed in Gaza since October 2023 to at least 280.
Despite the known locations of UN premises being shared with all parties to the conflict, they continue to be targeted, violating international law.
“The Secretary-General strongly condemns all attacks on UN personnel and calls for a full investigation. He underscores that all conflicts must be conducted in a way that ensures civilians are respected and protected,” the UN Spokesman said in a statement.
The strike follows another deadly day in Gaza, where hundreds, including many women and children, have been killed by Israeli attacks.
Expressing deep sorrow, the Secretary-General extended his condolences to the family of the deceased staff member. He called for an immediate ceasefire, unrestricted humanitarian aid, and the unconditional release of hostages.
UNOPS Staff Member Killed in Gaza
UNOPS Executive Director Jorge Moreira da Silva stated that what is happening in Gaza is “unconscionable” and that the death of a staff member “was not an accident. This was an incident.”
“I am shocked and devastated by this tragic news. I saw the absolute dedication of our team in Gaza last month. They and other UN workers and premises should never be targeted,” said Moreira.
The attack occurred around 11:30 am in Deir al Balah, hitting UNOPS accommodation that had already been deconflicted with the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF).
One staff member was killed, and five others were severely injured. Among the wounded, three were supporting the UN Mine Action Service in Palestine. At the same time, two worked with the UN 2720 Mechanism for Gaza.
UNOPS confirmed that the removal of unexploded ordnance did not cause the explosion. However, the exact type of weapon used remains unclear.
“What we do know is that an explosive ordnance was dropped or fired at the infrastructure and detonated inside the building,” UNOPS stated.
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Israeli Response and Investigation
In response to the attack, Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Oren Marmorstein acknowledged the death of the UN staff member, a Bulgarian citizen, and confirmed that an investigation is underway.
“We emphasize that the initial examination found no connection to IDF activity whatsoever,” Marmorstein stated on X.
Despite this, the Palestinian Ministry of Health has attributed the strike to Israeli forces. The circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear, with investigations ongoing.
Meanwhile, Israeli forces have reportedly been assisting in evacuating the casualties, with the wounded being transported to hospitals in Israel.
