Six UNRWA workers killed in Gaza airstrikes
- Six aid workers were killed in Gaza due to two airstrikes that struck a school and its surroundings in Nuseirat.
- The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine in the Near East (UNRWA) reported this as the highest death toll among their staff in a single incident.
- UNRWA emphasized the need to protect civilian infrastructure and called on all parties to avoid using schools for military purposes.
In a tragic incident in Gaza, six aid workers lost their lives due to two airstrikes that hit a school and its surrounding area in Nuseirat. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine in the Near East (UNRWA) confirmed that among the deceased were the manager of the UNRWA shelter and other team members who were assisting displaced individuals. This event represents the highest number of fatalities among UNRWA staff in a single incident since the conflict escalated. The airstrikes occurred in a region that has already seen significant violence and destruction, with the school being hit multiple times since the onset of the war. The facility was sheltering approximately 12,000 displaced people, primarily women and children, underscoring the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. The UN agency expressed deep condolences to the families of the victims, emphasizing the tragic loss of life among those dedicated to providing aid. UNRWA has called for the protection of civilian infrastructure, stating that schools and similar facilities should never be targets in conflict. They urged all parties involved in the fighting to refrain from using educational institutions for military purposes, highlighting the need for adherence to international humanitarian law. The ongoing conflict has resulted in a staggering number of casualties, with reports indicating over 41,000 Palestinian deaths and significant injuries. The situation remains critical, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence and humanitarian crises escalating in the region.