UN Launches Comprehensive Investigations into the Killing of Its Staff Member in Gaza

The United Nations has confirmed the killing of one of its employees and the serious injury of five others following an attack on its headquarters in the Gaza Strip.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed his sorrow and shock over the incident, calling for a thorough investigation, according to his spokesperson.

The spokesperson emphasized that all UN facility locations are known to all parties involved in the Gaza conflict and must be protected under international law. However, the party responsible for the shelling that killed the UN staff member and injured five others in Deir al-Balah has not yet been identified.

Was the UN Site Targeted or Did Landmines Explode?

The UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS) stated that an explosive ordnance killed one of its employees on Wednesday. It suggested that the explosion might have been caused by an aerial munition dropped on the site or by pre-existing landmines that detonated.

Meanwhile, the head of UNOPS, Jorge Moreira da Silva, ruled out the possibility of an accidental explosion or one related to demining efforts. He confirmed that the office had contacted the Israeli military, which acknowledged being aware of the UN facility’s location.

In response, Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee denied all reports claiming that Israel targeted the UN compound.

Bulgaria Confirms the Death of Its Citizen in Gaza

The Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement confirming that the UN employee killed on Wednesday in Gaza was a Bulgarian national working for the UN office. The ministry stated that further details would be disclosed once Bulgaria is informed of the findings of the ongoing investigation.

Resumption of War on Gaza

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced on Tuesday that military operations in Gaza had resumed after nearly two months of cessation, which began on January 15. The decision followed Hamas’ rejection of U.S. proposals to extend the ceasefire.