UN cuts staff in Gaza after deadly attack amid rising tensions
The UN has announced the reduction of international staff in the Gaza Strip. This decision follows shelling attributed to Israel, which resulted in the death of a UN worker.
The United Nations has decided to reduce the number of international staff in the Gaza Strip. This action is a response to the shelling attributed to Israel, during which one UN worker was killed and five people were injured.
UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric stated that the number of international workers will be reduced by about one-third. This means that approximately 30 people will leave the Gaza Strip. Dujarric emphasized that this decision is temporary and due to safety and operational reasons.
— We hope to have people return to Gaza as soon as practicable — Stephane Dujarric added, as quoted by the UN Press Realeses.
Reaction to the shelling
The shelling that took place last week targeted a UN complex in the town of Deir al-Balah. According to available information, the attack was carried out from an Israeli tank. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has demanded a thorough investigation into the matter.
— The location of this UN compound was well known to all the parties to the conflict — Dujarric emphasized.
The health ministry of the Gaza Strip, led by Hamas, blamed Israel for the attack. Israel rejected these accusations, claiming the target was a Hamas facility where preparations for shelling Israeli territory were being made. Dujarric noted that the UN does not rule out the possibility that the attack on the complex was intentional, which is one of the reasons why a clear and transparent investigation is necessary. The UN remains committed to providing humanitarian aid, as the needs in the Gaza Strip are rapidly growing.
— We remain committed to continuing to provide aid that civilians depend on for their survival and protection — Dujarric added.
