Airstrikes on Gaza Cause Most Deaths of Aid Workers in One Conflict, UN Says
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has reached a devastating milestone, with the United Nations (UN) reporting that airstrikes on the region have led to the highest number of aid worker deaths in a single conflict. The UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, revealed that at least 88 of its workers have been killed since October 7th, making this the deadliest period for UN workers in history.
In addition to the UNRWA casualties, the UN also disclosed that 150 health workers, including 16 while on duty, have been killed in Gaza. Furthermore, 18 emergency-service workers for Gaza’s civil defence have lost their lives. The overall death toll and destruction have been staggering, with 47 UNRWA buildings damaged and more than 100 health facilities in ruins.
In response to this dire situation, agency leaders from the UN issued a joint statement on Sunday, calling for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian access to the territory. Signatories of the statement included Volker Turk, the UN human rights commissioner; Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the head of the World Health Organization; and Martin Griffiths, the UN aid chief. They emphasized the need for both Israel and Hamas to respect international law and protect the lives of civilians and vital infrastructure like hospitals, shelters, and schools.
The recent loss of aid workers was commemorated in a memorial service held by UNRWA in Amman, Jordan. Philippe Lazzarini, the agency’s chief, praised the dedication and bravery of those who had died, acknowledging their role as true heroes during these dark times. He vowed that UNRWA would continue to advocate for the protection of civilians and the uninterrupted flow of humanitarian aid.
The situation in Gaza has been declared a health disaster by the Palestinian Red Crescent Society. The society reported that four of its medics were killed, 21 injured, and eight emergency vehicles put out of service due to Israeli airstrikes. Marwan Abu Saada, a senior surgeon at Dar al-Shifa hospital, expressed the grave concern about the lack of capacity and the increasing number of injuries.
The Catholic charity Caritas also suffered a tragic loss during the conflict. A 26-year-old worker named Viola, along with her husband and infant daughter, was killed when an airstrike hit St Porphyrios Orthodox church, which had been providing shelter to hundreds of people.
Among the various aid organizations affected, Medical Aid for Palestinians highlighted the frustration and fear among workers. Many services have been forced to halt their operations, with staff relocating to safer areas in the south of Gaza. Aseel Baidoun, advocacy manager for the charity, described the endless cycle of terror and the inability to provide adequate assistance.
As the death toll rises and infrastructure crumbles, the plea for a ceasefire and unrestricted access to humanitarian aid becomes increasingly urgent. The world is watching as the UN agencies and other organizations persist in their efforts to alleviate the suffering of the people in Gaza.