The United Nations has announced plans to reduce its presence in Gaza following an Israeli strike on a UN compound in Deir Al-Balah last week.
The decision was confirmed by UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, who described it as a difficult but necessary move.
The attack, which took place on March 19, was reportedly carried out by an Israeli tank and resulted in the death of a UN staff member from Bulgaria. Six others, hailing from France, Moldova, North Macedonia, Palestine, and the UK, sustained serious injuries. The UN emphasized that the compound’s location was well known to all parties in the conflict.
Despite soaring humanitarian needs in Gaza, UN operations are becoming increasingly difficult due to ongoing strikes and severe restrictions on aid deliveries. No humanitarian assistance has entered the Strip since early March, worsening the already dire situation for civilians.
Dujarric reiterated that international law protects UN facilities and personnel, calling on all sides to respect these principles. He also urged an end to the blockade preventing life-saving aid from reaching those in desperate need.
The reduction of the UN’s footprint in Gaza marks a significant shift in the organization’s approach to the crisis, raising concerns about the future of humanitarian efforts in the region.