The United Nations has announced a significant reduction in its international staff in Gaza due to ongoing violence that has resulted in the deaths of many civilians, including UN personnel. This decision comes after renewed attacks by Israeli forces, which have raised serious concerns about the safety of staff members in the region.
UN spokesperson Stephan Dujarric shared the news during a briefing on Monday. He stated that about 30 out of the approximately 100 international staff members currently in Gaza will be leaving this week. This withdrawal is a difficult choice, made by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, as humanitarian needs in Gaza are at an all-time high, and the protection of civilians is increasingly urgent.
Dujarric confirmed that an Israeli tank was responsible for a deadly attack on a UN compound in Deir el-Balah on March 19. This incident resulted in the death of a Bulgarian UN staff member and left several others injured. This marks the first time the UN has directly implicated Israeli forces in an attack on its facilities, a claim that Israel has denied, asserting that the strike targeted a Hamas site.
Al Jazeera’s Gabriel Elizondo reported that the staff reduction only affects international workers. The UN still has thousands of local staff in Gaza, many of whom are involved in vital humanitarian work. Unfortunately, over 250 of these local workers have been killed since the beginning of the current conflict.
Dujarric emphasized the necessity for a thorough investigation into the March 19 attack on the UN compound. He noted that the UN must ensure clarity on whether the strike on their facility was intentional, especially since the site was clearly marked.
The situation in Gaza remains dire, with more than 50,000 Palestinians reported killed and over 113,000 wounded since the conflict escalated on October 7, 2023. As the UN scales back its international presence, the humanitarian crisis continues to deepen, leaving many in desperate need of assistance amid ongoing violence.