The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates strongly condemned the Israeli occupation army’s targeting of a United Nations office in Deir al-Balah, in the central Gaza Strip, on Wednesday evening.
The serious violation led to the death of a UN staff member and injuries to five others. The Ministry described Israel’s actions, as an occupying power, against international organizations operating in Gaza, particularly UNRWA, as a form of “state-sponsored terrorism and systematic, wide-scale violations that warrant accountability.”
Al-Jazeera English quoted eyewitness stating that “an Israeli strike on a UN guesthouse in Deir Al-Balah killed a Bulgarian aid worker and injured five others. The military confirmed knowing the facility’s location but denied targeting the residence.”
Eyewitnesses say an Israeli strike on a UN guesthouse in Deir el-Balah killed a Bulgarian aid worker and injured five others. The military confirmed knowing the facility’s location but denied targeting the residence. pic.twitter.com/pAfjAxfImA
— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) March 19, 2025
These actions, it asserted, aim to undermine the operations of these organizations in blatant defiance of international principles and conventions.
The Ministry emphasized that the genocide being inflicted on the Palestinian people has expanded to include attacks on sympathizers and workers in international and UN organizations, marking a severe and egregious violation of international law and international humanitarian law, particularly the Geneva Conventions.
The Ministry called on the international community to intensify efforts to pressure the occupying state to halt its aggression, genocide, and forced displacement against the Palestinian people.
It further urged immediate measures to ensure international protection for the Palestinian population, safeguard UN staff and humanitarian workers, and shield vital facilities that provide essential services, including humanitarian centers and shelters, from the occupation’s escalating brutality.
On Wednesday evening and night, the Israeli army continued its bombing and shelling of various parts of the devastated Gaza Strip, killing and wounding dozens of Palestinians across the besieged and starved coastal enclave.
On Tuesday, the Israeli army resumed the genocide of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip; Israeli missiles and shells claimed the lives of at least 429 Palestinians and injured more than 562, most of whom were children and women, in just one day.
In a press release, the Israeli army stated that its ground offensive aims to expand the “defensive zone” and establish a line separating the northern and southern parts of the Gaza Strip.
The statement added that army forces had taken control of and expanded their hold over the central axis of Netzarim, located in the heart of Gaza.
It also noted that the Golani Brigade would be stationed in the southern area, prepared for further operations within the Gaza Strip.
The Palestinian Health Ministry reported that the Israeli army has killed at least 48,577 Palestinians and injured over 112,041—mostly women and children—since October 7, 2023. The Government Media Office in Gaza stated that the death toll has surpassed 61,700, including thousands still trapped under rubble.
In a press briefing, the head of Gaza’s Government Information Office revealed that 76% of the deceased have been recovered and transported to medical centers. He added that more than 14,222 Palestinians remain trapped under rubble in areas inaccessible to rescuers across the devastated Gaza Strip.
