in a marked UN vehicle ... likely targeted
13 May 2024 Peace and Security
A staff member of the UN Department of Safety and Security (DSS) died and
another was injured when their UN vehicle was struck as they travelled to the
European Hospital in Rafah, Gaza, on Monday.
Condemning all attacks on UN personnel, Secretary-General António
Guterres called for a full investigation, his deputy spokesperson, Farhan Haq,
told journalists in New York.
“With the conflict in Gaza continuing to take a heavy toll – not only on
civilians, but also on humanitarian workers – the Secretary-General reiterates
his urgent appeal for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and for the release
of all hostages,” he said.
Questioned by journalists, Mr. Haq said that the UN was still gathering
information on the incident. He later confirmed that the security personnel
killed was an international staff member, marking the first such UN death in
the Gaza conflict.
Separately, UN Palestine refugee agency UNRWA reported that another of its
staff members had been killed over the weekend, bringing the total number
of staff killed to 188.
The 53-year-old senior projects officer was killed on Sunday in an Israeli
strike in the central town of Deir Al-Balah after leaving Rafah.
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