2 additional UNRWA staff members killed, 16 in total since Gaza conflict onset

By Seda Sevencan

ISTANBUL (AA) – The UN Palestinian refugee agency, UNRWA, has reported the death of at least two additional staff members in Gaza.

This brings the total number of fatalities to 16 since the onset of the conflict, according to a statement released by the agency on Friday.

“At least 16 UNRWA colleagues have been killed since 7 October and another ten staff have been injured. The actual number is likely to be much higher - these figures include only those that the Agency has been able to confirm,” UNRWA said in a statement.

The statement also said that 33 UNRWA installations in Gaza have been impacted by Israeli airstrikes.

“UNRWA also continues to advocate for adherence to international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians, civilian infrastructure and UN facilities,” it read.

The conflict in Gaza, under Israeli bombardment and blockade since Oct. 7, began when Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, a multi-pronged surprise attack that included a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel by land, sea, and air. It said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and growing violence by Israeli settlers.

The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip.

Gaza is experiencing a dire humanitarian crisis, with no electricity, while water, food, fuel, and medical supplies are running out.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for an “immediate humanitarian cease-fire” to ease the “epic human suffering.”

At least 4,137 Palestinians, including 1,524 children and 1,000 women have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza, while the figure stands at more than 1,400 people in Israel.