UN Workers Killed in Gaza Amid Israel’s Claims of Targeting Hamas

In a recent attack on a school in Gaza, Israeli forces killed at least 18 individuals, including six UN workers. The strike occurred in an area designated as a 'safe zone' by Israel, raising serious concerns about the targeting of humanitarian sites. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken echoed Israel's unverified claims that Hamas was using the school as a command center, despite a lack of evidence to support this assertion. UN officials have criticized these claims, suggesting they serve as a pretext for violence against civilians. The UN has reported that Israel has killed 220 UNRWA workers amid ongoing military operations in Gaza, with the recent attack being part of a broader pattern of violence against humanitarian personnel. Francesca Albanese, a UN expert, condemned the Israeli narrative, stating that it reflects a 'logic of genocide' and shifts blame onto Palestinians for the violence inflicted upon them. This incident is part of a troubling trend, with 70% of UNRWA schools reportedly attacked since October. Additionally, a UNRWA sanitation worker was killed in the occupied West Bank, marking the first such incident in over a decade. The circumstances surrounding this death remain unclear, but it highlights the dangers faced by humanitarian workers in the region. The UN has called for an independent investigation into the Gaza strike, emphasizing the need for accountability in light of the ongoing violence. The situation in Gaza and the West Bank continues to deteriorate, with humanitarian organizations suspending operations due to safety concerns. The international community is urged to take action to protect civilians and ensure that humanitarian sites are respected amidst the conflict.