The UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East) has reported that six of its staff members have died in an Israeli airstrike targeting a school in central Gaza.
The school, identified as al-Jaouni, was serving as a shelter for approximately 12,000 displaced individuals, predominantly women and children, highlighting the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.
The strike, which occurred in the Nuseirat area, not only claimed the lives of UN personnel but also resulted in the death of at least 18 people, according to local authorities.
The UNRWA described the loss as “the highest death toll among our staff in a single incident” since the conflict with Hamas began in October of the previous year.
The UNRWA’s statement on X (formerly Twitter) expressed profound sorrow over the loss, noting that among the deceased was the manager of the shelter and other team members dedicated to assisting the displaced.
The latest attack adds to the grim tally of UN staff casualties, with over 190 UN workers reported killed since the conflict’s inception.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres voiced strong criticism over the lack of accountability for such incidents, labeling the situation as “totally unacceptable.”
The Israeli military, in response to the incident, confirmed conducting a strike in Nuseirat but stated it targeted a command and control center operated by Hamas, a Palestinian militant group. The claim portrays the complexity of the conflict, where military targets are often in close proximity to civilian infrastructure, leading to significant civilian casualties.
This latest incident comes amidst a backdrop of intense fighting, where Israel’s military campaign, aimed at dismantling Hamas following the terror attack on October 7, has led to widespread destruction and loss of life. The conflict has not only devastated infrastructure but has also severely impacted humanitarian efforts, with UNRWA schools and facilities repeatedly targeted or caught in the crossfire.
As the conflict continues, the safety of UN personnel and the ability to deliver aid remain critical concerns.