UN Agency for Palestine Refugees: 29 Staff Killed in Gaza Conflict, Majority are Teachers

Palestine –

The UN Agency for Palestine Refugees reported that 29 of its staff had been killed in Gaza since the outbreak of war between Hamas militants and Israel. The majority of the victims who died were teachers.

“We are shocked and saddened. It is now confirmed that 29 of our colleagues in Gaza have been killed since 7 October,” wrote UNRWA on the X account, previously Twitter, reported by AFP, Monday (23/10/2023).

“Half of these colleagues are UNRWA teachers,” he continued.

Thousands of Gazans have sought refuge in UNRWA facilities since Israel launched an aerial bombing campaign in retaliation for Hamas attacks on Israel that killed 1,400 people.

Gaza’s Ministry of Health said more than 4,600 Palestinians had been killed in the Israeli air strikes. Israel also cut off fuel, water, food and electricity supplies to the Gaza area.

A total of 12 refugees were killed and nearly 180 people were injured in the UN agency’s schools. Meanwhile around 38 UNRWA installations were damaged.

In a separate statement, UNRWA warned its fuel supplies in Gaza would run out within three days.

“Without fuel, there will be no water, no functioning hospitals and bakeries. Without fuel, aid will not reach the many civilians who desperately need it,” said UNRWA Chairman Philippe Lazzarini.

“Without fuel, there will be no humanitarian aid,” he added.

Six trucks are able to collect fuel from the terminal at the Rafah crossing point, but they are unable to meet the daily needs of Gaza’s 2.4 million residents.

(fas/fas)

2023-10-22 19:39:53
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