The United Nations has reported that one of its workers was killed in Gaza amid renewed Israeli air strikes. This tragic incident occurred when a compound in Gaza was damaged, although the details surrounding the event remain unclear. The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza accused Israel of launching the strike, stating that five foreign workers were critically injured and taken to the hospital. However, Israel’s military has denied hitting the UN compound in Deir al-Balah.
This escalation comes after Israel announced it was resuming military operations in Gaza following a two-month ceasefire. The Israeli air strikes have reportedly killed over 400 people since they began, according to Gaza’s health ministry. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that Israel had "resumed combat in full force."
The situation intensified further when the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) extended ground operations in Gaza, specifically in the Netzarim corridor, which separates the northern and southern parts of the territory. The military stated that this move was aimed at creating a buffer zone.
Initially, the UN reported that two of its workers had been killed, but later clarified that only one UN staff member died in the incident. The UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS) indicated that an explosive device was either dropped or fired at the building, which was located in a remote area. UNOPS executive director Jorge Moreira da Silva condemned the attack, calling it "not an accident," and stressed the need for all parties to protect UN personnel and facilities.
In the wake of this incident, a spokesperson for UN Secretary General António Guterres called for a thorough investigation into the attack. Footage verified by the BBC showed injured individuals, including UN workers, being transported to a hospital.
The air strikes have not only affected UN personnel. Reports indicate that at least 20 people were killed in various strikes across Gaza overnight. Among the casualties were civilians, including a woman and child who died in an Israeli drone strike near the al-Mawasi humanitarian zone. Israel’s military claimed they targeted a Hamas military site that was allegedly preparing to launch attacks into Israel.
The violence has sparked widespread concern, with Tom Fletcher, the UN’s under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs, stating that the current level of violence is unprecedented. The health ministry in Gaza reported that the death toll since the resumption of strikes has reached 436, with a significant number of children among the victims.
The recent bombardment marks the most intense military action since a fragile ceasefire began on January 19. The ceasefire was part of a hostage exchange agreement, but negotiations for a second phase have stalled. Netanyahu has framed the renewed fighting as a necessary step to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas and to eliminate the group.
As tensions rise, protests have erupted in Israel, with many citizens criticizing Netanyahu’s decision to resume military operations without a clear plan for the hostages. Thousands gathered in Jerusalem, voicing their concerns about the government’s approach to the conflict.
Egypt, acting as a mediator, condemned the renewed strikes as a violation of the ceasefire. The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with reports of severe shortages of food, medicine, and basic supplies, as Israel had previously halted all humanitarian aid to the region.
The conflict has seen significant losses on both sides. Hamas has confirmed that several of its leaders were killed in the recent strikes, including its head of government. Meanwhile, the civilian death toll continues to rise, prompting calls for immediate action to prevent further escalation and to protect innocent lives.