Israel's military has confirmed that its troops inadvertently killed a United Nations (UN) worker due to tank fire in the Gaza Strip, shifting its earlier denial of responsibility for the tragic incident on March 19. The UN compound in Deir al-Balah was struck, resulting in the death of Bulgarian UN worker Marin Valev Marinov, as well as serious injuries to five other personnel.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that their initial assessment mistakenly identified the building as a target housing "enemy presence." In a statement released on Thursday, the IDF expressed regret over the incident, emphasizing a commitment to ongoing reviews aimed at preventing similar occurrences. The Israeli military has informed the UN about its preliminary findings, promising to disclose the full conclusions after further investigation.
The bombings occurred shortly after Israel resumed hostilities against Hamas, breaking a two-month ceasefire. Following the event, UN Secretary General António Guterres demanded a thorough inquiry, underscoring the obligation of conflict parties to safeguard UN sites under international law. The UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS) has condemned the attack, with its executives asserting that the assault, which targeted an isolated guesthouse, was intentional, not accidental.
Despite the IDF's initial denial, credible footage confirmed that individuals, including UN staff in protective gear, were wounded during the strike. Earlier this week, the IDF also acknowledged "professional failures" linked to the fatalities of 15 emergency workers in another instance in Gaza.
As tensions escalate, the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza reports nearly 1,978 casualties as the conflict continues, with hostilities intensifying following a cross-border attack on October 7, 2023, that resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and the abduction of 251 individuals. With Israel's military operations aimed at Hamas, the humanitarian situation in Gaza grows increasingly dire, compounded by an ongoing blockade preventing aid deliveries to civilians in need.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that their initial assessment mistakenly identified the building as a target housing "enemy presence." In a statement released on Thursday, the IDF expressed regret over the incident, emphasizing a commitment to ongoing reviews aimed at preventing similar occurrences. The Israeli military has informed the UN about its preliminary findings, promising to disclose the full conclusions after further investigation.
The bombings occurred shortly after Israel resumed hostilities against Hamas, breaking a two-month ceasefire. Following the event, UN Secretary General António Guterres demanded a thorough inquiry, underscoring the obligation of conflict parties to safeguard UN sites under international law. The UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS) has condemned the attack, with its executives asserting that the assault, which targeted an isolated guesthouse, was intentional, not accidental.
Despite the IDF's initial denial, credible footage confirmed that individuals, including UN staff in protective gear, were wounded during the strike. Earlier this week, the IDF also acknowledged "professional failures" linked to the fatalities of 15 emergency workers in another instance in Gaza.
As tensions escalate, the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza reports nearly 1,978 casualties as the conflict continues, with hostilities intensifying following a cross-border attack on October 7, 2023, that resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and the abduction of 251 individuals. With Israel's military operations aimed at Hamas, the humanitarian situation in Gaza grows increasingly dire, compounded by an ongoing blockade preventing aid deliveries to civilians in need.
