The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) has reported a devastating toll on its staff during the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Since the war erupted on October 7, 193 UNRWA workers have tragically lost their lives.
UNRWA described Gaza as one of the most perilous places for aid workers globally, emphasizing the extreme risks faced by those providing essential assistance in the region. The agency took to Twitter to express the severity of the situation, highlighting that the death toll among its staff is the highest in the history of the United Nations.
Despite the grave dangers, UNRWA's dedicated employees continue their vital work to support families and deliver aid amidst the dire humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. The agency operates under incredibly challenging conditions, with its facilities being repeatedly targeted amid the conflict.
Israel has consistently accused Hamas and other militant groups of using civilian populations as shields, complicating efforts to distinguish between combatants and non-combatants. Additionally, Israel has denied intentionally targeting civilian infrastructure during the conflict.