UN Reduces International Staff In Gaza Amid Israeli Strikes

UN Scales Down Staff in Gaza Amid Escalating Israeli Strikes

The United Nations has announced a reduction in its international staff presence in Gaza following a series of Israeli strikes that have resulted in the deaths of hundreds of civilians, including UN personnel.

According to UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, approximately 30 of the 100 international staff currently in Gaza will be withdrawn due to security and operational concerns. However, he emphasized that the UN is not abandoning the region entirely.

“We are reducing the number of international staff members by about one-third this week. This is a temporary measure, and we hope to resume full operations as soon as possible,” Dujarric stated during a press briefing.

Despite this reduction, the UN remains committed to delivering humanitarian aid and ensuring civilian protection. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the decision as difficult, especially as the humanitarian crisis worsens.

Israeli Strike Hits UN Compound

On March 19, an Israeli tank strike hit a UN compound in Deir Al Balah, resulting in the death of a Bulgarian UN worker and injuring six others from France, Moldova, North Macedonia, Palestine, and the United Kingdom.

Dujarric confirmed that the UN compound’s location was well known to all parties involved in the conflict, and Guterres has called for a full, independent investigation into the incident.

“The Israelis were fully aware of the location of this UN facility, yet it was struck by a tank shell. We need a transparent investigation,” Dujarric stated.

Israel Denies Targeting the UN Facility

While Gaza’s health ministry has attributed the strike to Israel, the Israeli government has denied responsibility. Israeli authorities claimed they had targeted a Hamas site where militants were preparing to fire into Israeli territory.

In a separate incident, the Israeli military admitted that its forces mistakenly fired at a Red Cross building in Rafah, Gaza’s southern city. According to their statement, the attack was a result of misidentification, causing damage to the humanitarian organization’s office.

Conclusion

As tensions escalate in Gaza, the UN’s decision to scale down its staff underscores the increasing risks to humanitarian workers. While the organization remains committed to aiding civilians, the recent attacks highlight the urgent need for independent investigations and greater protections for humanitarian missions.