The United Nations expressed mourning for the deaths of more than 100 aid workers in Gaza, marking the highest number killed in any single conflict in the organization’s 78-year history. The casualties occurred during Israel’s war with Hamas, which began over a month ago. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) reported that 102 of its aid workers were killed, and 27 others were wounded in Gaza.
The aid workers, including teachers, school principals, health workers, engineers, support staff, and a psychologist, were among the 13,000 UNRWA staff working in Gaza. Many of them lost their lives alongside their families during Israel’s continuous bombardment and blockade of the Palestinian territory.
This tragic situation highlights the unprecedented toll on humanitarian staff, emphasizing the challenges faced by global agencies amid the relentless conflict. The UNRWA operates as the main UN agency in Gaza, providing essential services such as education, healthcare, and relief to the population, which has been severely impacted by the ongoing hostilities and blockade.
The international community, including UN offices worldwide, observed a moment of silence to honor and remember the aid workers who lost their lives in Gaza. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized that these dedicated individuals “will never be forgotten.” The tragic events underscore the urgent need for a resolution to the conflict and efforts to address the humanitarian crisis in the region.