UN says 29 of its staff killed in Gaza conflict since Oct. 7

Half of those killed were UNRWA teachers, says UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees

By Merve Berker

ANKARA (AA) — At least 29 UN staff have been killed in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict in Gaza, the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) said on Sunday.

"We are in shock and mourning," the agency said on X.

Mentioning that half of those killed were UNRWA teachers, it expressed the agency's devastation at their death.

"We are grieving with each other and with the families," said the statement on the deaths.

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.

At least 4,651 Palestinians, including 1,873 children and 1,023 women have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza.

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