One international UN staff member was killed and five injured, several seriously, in an attack on the premises of UNOPS, the UN Office for Project Services, in Gaza today (19 March).
It was the third day the premises of UNOPS in Deir Al-Balah in Gaza had come under attack.
“I want to stress this point. These premises were well known by the Israel Defense Forces and they were deconflicted,” said Jorge Moreira da Silva, the Executive Director of UNOPS during a press conference in Brussels. “This means that everyone knew who was working inside the premises. It was UN personnel, UNOPS,” da Silva said. “I want to stress that the location was in an isolated area. There were no other buildings nearby. It was a very well-known premises.”
UNOPS Director da Silva said that although UNOPS is involved in mine action and the clearing of mines in Gaza, the explosion was not related to any activity to do with mine action. He stressed that this incident was related to “exploded ordnance that was dropped or fired”.
“We don’t know at this stage what type it was, whether it was an airdrop, artillery or rocket,” he said, adding that UNOPS is in contact with colleagues on the ground to investigate further. “Most of them are in shock, with difficulties to provide testimony.”
The premises include guest houses where visiting UN staff members, including heads of UN agencies, have stayed during visits to Gaza.
The UNOPS Executive Director expressed his sincere condolences to all those affected and their families on behalf of the UN family. The nationality of the deceased has not yet been released. UNOPS was working to urgently evacuate the seriously injured personnel.
“In my opinion, this was not an accident. It cannot be categorised as an accident.”
UNOPS works in Gaza to procure and distribute fuel, and it facilitates the distribution of aid into Gaza.
“Attacks against humanitarian premises are a breach of international law,” da Silva said. “UN personnel and its premises must be protected by all sides. […] I renew the UN’s call for resumption of the ceasefire, access of humanitarian aid, and the release of hostages.”
UN Secretary-General calls for an investigation
UN Secretary-General António Guterres said in a statement released by his Spokesperson that he was deeply saddened and shocked to learn of the death of the UNOPS staff member.
“The Secretary-General strongly condemns all attacks on UN personnel and calls for a full investigation. He underscores that all conflicts must be conducted in a way that ensures civilians are respected and protected.”
Today’s deadly strike brings the number of UN colleagues killed in Gaza since 7 October 2023 to at least 280.