Israeli Military Acknowledges Responsibility for UN Worker’s Death in Gaza

The Israeli military has accepted responsibility for the fatal incident involving a UN worker in Gaza, which has raised concerns over the protection of humanitarian sites in conflict zones. The tragedy unfolded as Israel resumed military operations against Hamas, leading to scrutiny from international organizations.

The Israeli military has acknowledged that its forces mistakenly killed a United Nations (UN) worker in the Gaza Strip during a shelling incident last month, a claim it had initially denied. The tragic occurrence took place on March 19 at a UN compound in Deir al-Balah, resulting in the death of Bulgarian UN worker Marin Valev Marinov and injuring five other personnel.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) now state that their troops misidentified the building, believing it contained an "enemy presence." The IDF issued a statement expressing regret over the incident while emphasizing that the building was not recognized as a UN facility when it was targeted. Preliminary findings have been communicated to the UN, with a comprehensive report promising to follow suit.

This incident occurred just after Israel intensified its offensive against Hamas following the collapse of a two-month ceasefire. In response, UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for a thorough investigation, stressing that all parties to the conflict must respect the inviolability of UN premises, which are marked and known.

Adding to the severity of the situation, the UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS) indicated that a deliberate attack involving "explosive ordnance" occurred at the UN guesthouse, contradicting previous characterizations of the event as accidental. The IDF had initially requested media outlets to verify the events concerning the strike.

This unsettling revelation comes in light of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, where the humanitarian situation has worsened significantly. The health ministry in Gaza reports nearly 1,978 fatalities since the resumption of hostilities, with increased military pressure from Israel in pursuit of Hamas militants and hostages. The blockade on humanitarian aid delivery has been labeled by the UN as a measure that "further deprives" the population, exacerbating an already dire circumstance.

The escalated military efforts initiated by Israel were prompted by an unprecedented attack across the border on October 7, 2023, claiming around 1,200 lives. As of now, over 51,300 fatalities have been recorded in Gaza, raising international alarm over civilian safety and the ramifications of military operations in densely populated areas.