Six UNRWA workers killed in Gaza in 24 hours

CAIRO - 24 October 2023: Six workers with the UN’s Palestinian refugee agency were killed in just 24 hours in Gaza, the global body said Tuesday, bringing to 35 the total of its staff killed since October 7.

“Since the start of hostilities, at least 16 health workers have been killed while on duty, along with 35 UNRWA staff,” the United Nations humanitarian agency OCHA said in an update carried by Al Arabiya News on Tuesday.

“Six of (them) were killed in the past 24 hours.”

The UNRWA supports the 5.6 million Palestinian refugees across Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem, as well as in Jordan, Lebanon and Syria.

UNRWA, in response to these tragic events, emphasized that these 35 individuals were not mere statistics but friends and colleagues. Many of them had served as teachers in their schools. UNRWA grieves this profound loss.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres commented on the situation, stating, "35 of our colleagues from UNRWA, relief workers and teachers, have been killed in Gaza since October 7. We mourn their loss and stand by our colleagues who are doing everything they can to assist those in need."

In its daily report on the situation in Gaza, OCHA highlighted the challenges faced by humanitarian agencies in delivering aid to the Gaza population. These difficulties include ongoing hostilities, restrictions on movement, shortages of electricity, fuel, water, medicine, and other essential supplies.