Since October 7, 35 UNRWA workers have reportedly been killed in the Palestinian enclave.
For more than two weeks, Israel has been carrying out airstrikes in the Gaza Strip since the Palestinian militant group Hamas carried out the biggest attack in Israel’s 75-year history.
“At least 16 health workers, as well as 35 UNRWA staff, have been killed in the line of duty since hostilities began,” the UN humanitarian aid agency OCHA said in an update on the situation in the Gaza Strip sent on Tuesday as of Monday evening.
“Six of them have been killed in the last 24 hours,” OCHA added.
UNRWA provides assistance of 5.6 million Palestinian refugees in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank and East Jerusalem, as well as in Jordan, Lebanon and Syria.
On October 7, Hamas invaded Israel from the Gaza Strip, killing at least 1,400 people. people, mostly civilians, and took 222 hostages. Israel clarified the number of hostages on Monday.
In response to the attack, the Jewish state launched a bombing campaign in the Gaza Strip, where entire city blocks were razed to the ground and more than 5,000 people have already died. of Palestinians, mostly civilians, according to the Hamas-controlled Ministry of Health.
On the X social network, UNRWA paid tribute to its colleagues killed in the Gaza Strip.
“We grieve and we remember. It’s not just numbers. These are our friends and colleagues,” the statement said, adding that many of the dead were teachers in UNRWA-run schools.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres (Antoniju Guterres) “X” also regretted that “35 of our UNRWA colleagues have been killed in the Gaza Strip since October 7”.
“We regret their loss and support our colleagues who are doing their best to help those in need,” he said.
According to OCHA data, almost 590 thousand people, which is almost half of the more than 1.4 million residents of the northern part of the enclave, who were displaced to the southern territory of the Gaza Strip since the start of the bombing, found refuge in UNRWA facilities.
Twelve displaced persons were killed in the UN agency’s schools, nearly 180 were injured, and several dozen UNRWA facilities were damaged, according to the report.
In an updated statement, OCHA warned that aid agencies are struggling to meet the huge 2.4 million The humanitarian needs of the residents of the Gaza Strip, who are essentially without water, food, electricity and other basic necessities due to the Israeli blockade.
“Humanitarian partners are unable to safely reach people in need and warehouses where relief supplies are stored,” the statement said.
Aid finally began arriving in the Gaza Strip over the weekend, with more than 50 truckloads of food, water and medicine, but no fuel, reaching the Palestinian enclave so far.
According to the UN, at least 100 aid trucks per day are needed to provide humanitarian aid to the entire Gaza Strip.
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Interview with Sarah Thompson, Humanitarian Affairs Analyst at the United Nations
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Sarah. The situation in Gaza has escalated dramatically since the conflict began on October 7. Can you shed some light on the impact this violence has had on UNRWA workers?
Sarah Thompson: Thank you for having me. Yes, it’s a dire situation. Since the onset of hostilities, we have tragically lost 35 UNRWA staff members, including six in just the last 24 hours. These individuals were not only dedicated to their work but were also members of the community—teachers, health workers, and aid personnel—who were there to help those in need.
Editor: The UN has reported severe casualties among health workers and UNRWA staff. Can you explain the challenges they face on the ground during this conflict?
Sarah Thompson: The challenges are immense. Amidst the ongoing airstrikes and violence, our workers are risking their lives to provide essential services to Palestinian refugees. With over 5.6 million people relying on UNRWA for aid, including health care and education, the loss of our personnel significantly hampers our ability to respond effectively to the urgent needs of those suffering. Sustaining operations in such a volatile environment is incredibly difficult and dangerous.
Editor: The loss of life among aid workers is heartbreaking. What can you tell us about UNRWA’s ongoing efforts in Gaza, especially considering the current circumstances?
Sarah Thompson: Despite the risks, UNRWA remains committed to supporting the people in Gaza. Our teams are working around the clock to provide food, medical assistance, and shelter to those displaced by the conflict. We are also providing mental health support, which is crucial given the trauma experienced by the residents. However, our capacity is being stretched thin, and we desperately need increased humanitarian access and assistance from the international community.
Editor: As the situation continues to evolve, how can the international community contribute to alleviating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza?
Sarah Thompson: The international community plays a pivotal role. We need immediate and unhindered humanitarian access to deliver aid effectively. Donor support is critical to sustain our operations, and diplomatic efforts must be prioritized to facilitate a ceasefire. Furthermore, raising awareness about the plight of civilians, especially the vulnerable, can help galvanize support and promote accountability for those responsible for the violence.
Editor: Thank you, Sarah, for your insights. The situation in Gaza is incredibly complex, and your work at the UN is vital. We hope for peace and safety for all those affected.
Sarah Thompson: Thank you for highlighting this important issue. We must continue to advocate for those in need and work towards a peaceful resolution.
O deliver aid, including food and medical supplies, even as conditions grow more perilous. Recently, we managed to get over 50 truckloads of essential goods into the area, but this is far from enough. We estimate that at least 100 aid trucks are needed daily to address the humanitarian crisis adequately.
Editor: How has the blockade and ongoing conflict affected the humanitarian efforts in Gaza?
Sarah Thompson: The blockade has created a dire situation. With essential resources like food, water, and medical supplies in short supply, our ability to deliver aid is severely hampered. Infrastructure has been damaged, making it challenging to reach those in need. We’re also seeing a significant increase in displaced individuals seeking shelter in UNRWA facilities, which are themselves becoming increasingly unsafe.
Editor: Given these dire circumstances, what message do you want to convey regarding the plight of both UNRWA workers and the Palestinian people?
Sarah Thompson: It’s vital to remember that behind every statistic there is a human life. The loss of our colleagues is not just a tragic number; they are our friends, our family, and community members. We urge the international community to recognize the severity of this humanitarian crisis and to push for solutions that not only protect civilians but also support the continued work of humanitarian organizations like UNRWA. Every life matters.
Editor: Thank you, Sarah, for sharing your insights with us today. It’s crucial for us to understand the complexities of the situation and the ongoing efforts to aid those in need.
Sarah Thompson: Thank you for having me. The more awareness we can raise, the better chance we have of addressing this crisis and supporting those who are suffering.
