Israel conveys deep regret over UN staff member's death in Gaza, denies any involvement
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Synopsis
On March 20, Israel expressed its deep regret over the death of a Bulgarian UN staff member due to airstrikes in Gaza's Deir al-Balah, asserting that an initial investigation found no Israeli involvement. The UN condemned the attack as a violation of international law, and the injured will receive treatment in Israeli hospitals.
Key Takeaways
- Israel expressed sorrow over a UN staff member's death.
- An initial investigation found no Israeli involvement.
- UN Secretary-General condemned the strike as a violation of international law.
- Over 400 Palestinians have died since the renewed military actions.
- Israel's military aims to eliminate Hamas threats.
Jerusalem, March 20 (NationPress) Israel conveyed its sorrow regarding the passing of a Bulgarian United Nations employee due to airstrikes on UN accommodations in Gaza's Deir al-Balah. However, an initial probe revealed no Israeli participation in the incident.
The United Nations reported that the staff member, working for the UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS), lost their life when two UN facilities were struck. Additionally, five other staff members sustained significant injuries, according to Xinhua news agency.
Oren Marmorstein, spokesperson for the Israeli Foreign Ministry, stated that a preliminary investigation indicated there was no link between Israeli military actions and the strike.
He mentioned, “The circumstances of the incident are being investigated,” adding that Israel assisted in the evacuation of the deceased's body and the injured individuals from the site.
The injured personnel would receive medical treatment in Israeli hospitals, he shared in a message on the social media platform X.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the assault as a breach of international law. “All UN premises’ locations are known to parties to the conflict, who are obligated to protect them,” a UN spokesperson stated.
Guterres expressed condolences to the victim's family, noting that this incident raised the total number of UN personnel killed in Gaza since October 7, 2023, to at least 280.
“These premises were well known by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and they were ‘deconflicted’,” said UNOPS chief Jorge Moreira da Silva, adding that it was evident UN staff were inside at the time.
“This was not an accident, this was an incident,” he informed reporters, stating that further information was being collected.
Earlier on Wednesday, the Israeli military refuted claims of targeting the complexes. “Contrary to reports, the IDF did not target a UN facility in Deir al-Balah,” the military remarked in a statement.
The incident coincided with Israel's renewed military actions in Gaza, aimed at Hamas militants, according to officials. Gaza health authorities reported over 400 Palestinian fatalities since Tuesday, including at least 170 children and 80 women, after Israeli strikes resumed following a weeks-long ceasefire that began on January 19.
Israel's military asserted that the operations aimed to “eliminate Hamas threats” and would persist “until strategic objectives are achieved.”
