Since Hamas militants began their offensive on Israel, at least 11 UN employees and personnel as well as 30 children at UN institutions have died in the Gaza Strip, a spokesman said on Wednesday.
“11 UNRWA staff and personnel have been killed since Saturday,” spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters, referring to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees which also runs schools in Gaza.
“30 UNRWA students have also been killed and another eight have been injured.”
Five teachers, a gynecologist, an engineer, a counselor, and three support personnel were among the dead, according to a statement from UNRWA’s deputy director Jennifer Austin.
“UNRWA mourns this loss and is grieving with our colleagues and the families,” she said.
“UN staff and civilians must be protected at all times during conflict. We call for the fighting to come to an end to spare more civilian lives lost.”
In addition, he urged the upholding of international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians as Israel continued to bomb Hamas targets in Gaza on Wednesday.
“About 220,000 Palestinians are now sheltering in 92 UNRWA facilities across Gaza,” he said, adding that UN premises, hospitals, clinics and schools must “never be targeted.”
“UN staff are working around the clock to support the people of Gaza and I deeply regret that some of my colleagues have already paid the ultimate price,” he said.
And he called for “crucial” aid including fuel, food and water to be allowed in to the Gaza Strip.
“We need rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access now.”
