UN Scales Back Presence in Gaza Following Deadly Israeli Attack on Its Compound
In response to escalating violence and increasing risks to its personnel, the United Nations has announced a significant reduction in its international staff in Gaza.
This decision comes in the wake of the deadly Israeli attack on a UN compound that killed one of its staff members and left several others seriously injured.
As security concerns mount, approximately 30 of the UN’s 100 international staff will be withdrawn from Gaza this week, despite the rapidly growing humanitarian crisis in the region.
UN spokesperson Stephan Dujarric described the move as “difficult” but necessary for operational and security reasons. The decision, taken by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, comes at a time when the humanitarian needs in Gaza are more urgent than ever, with civilian casualties rising at an alarming rate.
The incident that precipitated the withdrawal occurred on March 19, when an Israeli tank struck the UN compound in Deir el-Balah, central Gaza. The attack killed Bulgarian national staff member and injured six other foreign personnel.
The UN’s confirmation of Israeli involvement in the strike contradicts prior denials by Israel’s military, which initially claimed to have targeted a Hamas site. This attack, coming just one day after Israel broke its ceasefire with Hamas, has prompted widespread calls for a thorough investigation.
Dujarric stated that Guterres has called for “a full, thorough and independent investigation” into the attack, underlining the importance of transparency. “The UN needs a clear and impartial inquiry into this tragic incident, especially given the highly sensitive nature of our work in Gaza,” he added.
The UN has also faced increasing pressure over the safety of its operations in Gaza, where over 250 Palestinian staff members have been killed since the conflict’s start, with many others wounded.
The international staff reduction is a necessary measure to protect personnel, as the danger to UN workers in Gaza grows. While the UN still maintains a large workforce in the region—over 13,000 employees, predominantly Palestinian—many of these staff members have been on the front lines of the humanitarian crisis, providing essential services amidst the ongoing violence.
Alongside this development, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) reported that its office in Rafah was hit by an explosive projectile, causing significant damage to the building. Israel’s military admitted to the attack, attributing it to “mistaken identity,” though the ICRC confirmed that no staff members were harmed. However, the damage has severely impacted the organization’s ability to operate in Gaza.
Since the outbreak of hostilities on October 7, 2023, Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza has resulted in over 50,000 Palestinian deaths and left more than 113,000 injured.
The growing civilian toll and the increasing dangers faced by international and local aid workers highlight the urgent need for a comprehensive resolution to the conflict and a safer environment for humanitarian efforts.
As the situation deteriorates, the UN’s scaling back of operations underscores the fragile balance between delivering essential aid and protecting those who risk their lives to provide it. The international community continues to press for accountability and a lasting solution to the violence, as Gaza’s suffering reaches unprecedented levels.
