Since the weekend, at least 11 United Nations employees have tragically lost their lives in Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, according to the UN. The casualties consist of five teachers, a gynecologist, an engineer, a psychological counselor, and three support staff. Additionally, 30 students at UN schools have been killed. The densely populated Gaza Strip, with its 2 million inhabitants in just 140 square miles, means that civilians are often caught in the crossfire.

Nine UN employees killed since start of Israeli attacks on Gaza on Saturday: UN agency

— Mubashir Zaidi (@xadeejourno) October 11, 2023

So far, Palestinian health authorities report that the airstrikes have resulted in the deaths of 1,100 people in Gaza. The Israel Defense Forces claim to be targeting Hamas, the organization that controls Gaza, but the high population density makes it difficult to avoid civilian casualties. Moreover, the Israeli government's decision to impose a "complete siege of Gaza" has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in the region. This siege has restricted access to electricity, food, fuel, and water, causing the area's only power station to run out of fuel. Urgent action is required to provide access to life-saving supplies, including fuel, food, and water, according to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

In response to the ongoing bombardment, UN-operated schools have transformed into temporary shelters for the 220,000 people seeking refuge from the airstrikes. However, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) announced that it only has enough funding to continue its operations until the end of the month and is urgently seeking $104 million in new funds. The UN is also calling for the establishment of a humanitarian corridor to allow civilians to leave the area and for humanitarian supplies to be delivered promptly.

The protection of civilians is paramount, and the UN emphasizes the need for civilians to have safe shelter within Gaza. Mass exodus is not the desired outcome, particularly as many Palestinians have already been displaced from other parts of the region. A Security Council meeting has been scheduled to discuss the situation in Israel and Gaza on Friday afternoon. The devastating loss of UN staff and personnel highlights the urgency for civilians to be protected at all times during conflicts. UNRWA expresses its deep condolences and grief for the lives lost and emphasizes the need to uphold international humanitarian law.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reiterates the call for the fighting to cease and for the targeting of UN premises, hospitals, clinics, and schools to end. The immediate priority is to ensure rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access, including the delivery of vital aid such as fuel, food, and water, to alleviate the dire situation in the Gaza Strip.