The United Nations has announced a reduction of its presence in Gaza by withdrawing about one-third of its international workers following repeated strikes by Israel. Secretary General António Guterres called the decision “difficult” as humanitarian needs in the area were escalating. This marked the first reduction in the U.N.’s workforce in Gaza since the start of the Israeli-Hamas war in 2023, but the organization will continue to provide aid to civilians.
At least 280 U.N. staff members have been killed in Gaza since the war began. The U.N. spokesman, Stéphane Dujarric, stated that about 30 percent of the international staff in Gaza would be leaving in the next week, with more likely to follow in the coming weeks. Local Palestinian staff would remain to carry out humanitarian work.
An Israeli tank shell hit a U.N. compound in Gaza on March 19, killing a staff member and injuring six others. Israel denied responsibility, but the U.N. has called for an independent investigation and urged all warring parties to respect international laws protecting U.N. premises and workers.
Israel has blocked all humanitarian aid into Gaza since March 2, leading to shortages of essential supplies like food, medicine, and clean water for the two million residents. Israel resumed airstrikes after Hamas refused to release the remaining hostages it had seized during the conflict. Israeli strikes have also targeted ambulances and medical workers trying to aid survivors of airstrikes.
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