The United Nations’ decision to reduce its international staff numbers in Gaza by about a third is in response to the increasing security risks posed by Israeli strikes, which have already resulted in the deaths of hundreds of civilians, including UN personnel. The UN emphasized that this reduction is temporary, aiming to protect staff while continuing its humanitarian efforts in Gaza. The UN spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, clarified that the UN is not abandoning Gaza, and staff would return as soon as it is safe to do so.
The decision comes after a deadly Israeli strike on a UN compound in Deir Al Balah on March 19, which killed a Bulgarian UN worker and injured six others. The UN has called for a thorough, independent investigation into the incident, noting that the location of the compound was well-known to all parties involved in the conflict. While Israel has denied the attack was deliberate, it claims the strike hit a Hamas site.
This reduction in UN personnel is part of broader concerns about the increasing danger to civilians and humanitarian workers in Gaza amid the ongoing conflict.