UN reduces international staff in Gaza amid escalating Israeli strikes
Department of Research, Studies and International News 25-03-2025
The United Nations has announced a significant reduction in its international staff presence in Gaza following intensified Israeli military operations that have resulted in substantial civilian casualties, including the deaths of UN personnel.
UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric revealed in a press briefing on Monday that approximately 30 out of the organization’s 100 international staff members would be withdrawn from Gaza this week. This decision comes at a time of escalating humanitarian crises, with mounting concerns over civilian safety. According to Dujarric, the withdrawal is a “temporary measure” taken due to operational and security considerations and was a “difficult decision” made by UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
Attack on UN Compound Confirmed
The UN’s decision follows an Israeli tank strike on a UN facility in Deir el-Balah, central Gaza, on March 19. The attack resulted in the death of a Bulgarian UN staff member and inflicted serious injuries on six other international personnel. This marks the first time the UN has directly implicated Israeli forces in the strike, contradicting previous Israeli military claims that denied responsibility for the incident.
The attack came just a day after Israel ended a two-month ceasefire agreement with Hamas, reigniting hostilities. In response, Guterres has called for a “full, thorough, and independent investigation” into the incident to determine the circumstances surrounding the strike on a clearly marked UN facility.
Impact on Humanitarian Operations
Despite the international staff reduction, the UN still maintains a significant workforce in Gaza. More than 13,000 employees, the majority of whom are Palestinian, continue to provide critical humanitarian services, including medical care, transportation, and emergency relief. According to Al Jazeera correspondent Gabriel Elizondo, these local workers have faced immense risks, with over 250 killed since the onset of the conflict. The UN’s decision to withdraw international personnel underscores the growing dangers faced by aid workers in the region.
Dujarric stressed that the security situation in Gaza has become increasingly perilous, necessitating the temporary departure of about one-third of the remaining international staff for their own safety. This decision, however, raises concerns about the continuity of humanitarian aid efforts amid worsening conditions on the ground.
Israel’s Justification and Calls for Accountability
Israel has maintained that its military operations target Hamas-affiliated locations, asserting that the strike on the UN compound was directed at a site being used for militant activity. However, the UN has rejected this claim and insists on an independent investigation to establish the facts.
When questioned about whether the UN believes the attack was deliberate, Dujarric refrained from making direct accusations but reiterated the need for “a clear and transparent investigation.” The incident has intensified scrutiny of Israel’s military tactics, particularly concerning its engagements with civilian and humanitarian targets.
In a separate incident, the Israeli military admitted to mistakenly targeting a Red Cross building in Rafah, southern Gaza. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) confirmed that an explosive projectile struck its facility, causing damage but no casualties. The ICRC emphasized that the attack had directly impacted its ability to carry out humanitarian work, though it did not explicitly state which party was responsible for the strike.
This admission has further fueled concerns about the safety of humanitarian organizations operating in conflict zones. Israel’s claim that the strike was due to “mistaken identity” has drawn criticism, as international law mandates the protection of humanitarian sites.
Rising Casualties in Gaza
Since October 7, 2023, Israel’s military campaign in Gaza has resulted in more than 50,000 Palestinian deaths and approximately 113,200 injuries, according to health officials. The staggering number of casualties has led to mounting international condemnation and renewed calls for an immediate ceasefire.
The ongoing conflict has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with dwindling resources, collapsing healthcare infrastructure, and mass displacement. The UN’s decision to scale down its international presence highlights the dire security situation but also raises concerns about the ability of humanitarian agencies to provide critical aid to those affected by the violence.
As tensions continue to rise, the international community is closely monitoring developments in Gaza, urging diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict and ensure the protection of civilians and humanitarian workers alike.
