UN Chief Condemns Killing of Staff Member in Gaza, Urges Full Probe
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres condemned the killing of the first foreign staff member in Israel’s war on Gaza, calling for a thorough investigation after Israeli forces fired on a UN vehicle in Rafah, leaving one dead and another injured.
In the southern city of Rafah, situated in the besieged Gaza Strip, tragedy struck as a United Nations staff member killed and another sustained injuries when their vehicle was targeted.
Farhan Haq, spokesperson for Guterres, confirmed that the incident occurred while the two individuals were en route to the European Hospital, carrying out their duties in a UN-marked vehicle.
Expressing deep sorrow, Haq conveyed the Secretary General's sentiments, stating, "The Secretary General was deeply saddened to learn of the death of a United Nations Department of Safety and Security (DSS) staff member and injury to another DSS staffer when their UN vehicle was struck as they traveled to the European Hospital in Rafah this morning."
Demanding accountability, Guterres condemned all attacks on UN personnel and called for a comprehensive investigation into the matter. "The secretary general condemns all attacks on UN personnel and calls for a full investigation."
Amidst the ongoing Israeli genocidal war in Gaza, which inflicts heavy casualties on civilians and humanitarian workers alike, the Secretary General reiterated the urgent need for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.
Initial reports, citing local sources, indicated that Israeli shelling targeted a UN vehicle in Rafah. The recent incident adds to the grim toll faced by humanitarian workers in Gaza. Last month, Israeli strikes on an aid convoy by the charity group World Central Kitchen resulted in the deaths of seven workers, sparking international outrage and highlighting the dangers faced by those striving to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
With the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) reporting casualties among its staff and damage to its shelters, the agency's Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini called for an independent investigation into these incidents.
As the Israeli campaign in Gaza persists, civilian casualties continue to mount, with over 35,000 Palestinians killed since the onset of the war in October. The devastating impact disproportionately affects women and children, with thousands more trapped under the rubble.