The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Secretary-General Ant¨®nio Guterres:
The Secretary-General was deeply saddened and shocked to learn of the death of a United Nations Office for Project Services?(Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµOPS) staff member, when two Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ guesthouses in Deir al Balah were hit in strikes.? Five other Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ personnel were seriously injured.
The locations of all Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ premises are known to the parties to the conflict, who are bound by international law to protect them and maintain their absolute inviolability.
The Secretary-General strongly condemns all attacks on Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ personnel and calls for a full investigation. ?He underscores that all conflicts must be conducted in a way that ensures civilians are respected and protected.
The Secretary-General sends his deepest condolences to the family of the staff member killed.
Today¡¯s deadly strike brings the number of Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ colleagues killed in Gaza since 7?October?2023 to at least?280.
The incident follows reports from yesterday ¡ª which saw the deaths of hundreds, including many children ¡ª marking one of the deadliest days in Gaza since late?2023.
The Secretary-General stresses the need for the ceasefire to be respected to bring an end to the suffering of the people. ?Humanitarian aid must reach all people in need. ?The hostages must be released immediately and unconditionally.
He also recalls that international law must be complied with at all times.
Document Type: Statement
Document Sources: Secretary-General
Subject: Casualties, Gaza Strip, Hostages, Humanitarian relief
Publication Date: 19/03/2025
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