Israel attacks UN building in Gaza; Brazilian Foreign Ministry calls it a war crime.
The victim was a member of a United Nations humanitarian agency operating in the region.
247 - A United Nations employee was killed and five others were injured after an explosion in the central Gaza Strip, the UN reported. The victim, whose identity was not released, was a member of a United Nations humanitarian agency operating in the region. The injured, including other colleagues from the organization, were taken to receive medical attention. The attacks occurred last Wednesday (19).
The Gaza Ministry of Health issued a statement. "One dead and five seriously injured among foreign staff working for United Nations institutions [were] sent to the Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Hospital [in Deir al-Balah] after the bombing."
UN Secretary-General António Guterres lamented the loss and called for an immediate and transparent investigation into the incident. He also appealed for greater protection for humanitarian workers, who are operating in increasingly dangerous conditions.
The explosion comes at a time of escalating tensions in the region, with reports of frequent clashes and airstrikes. The UN has repeatedly warned about the humanitarian impact of the conflict, which has already displaced thousands of civilians and exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The organization reiterated its call for an immediate ceasefire and for diplomatic efforts to restore peace in the region. Meanwhile, UN teams remain on the ground, providing vital assistance to the local population despite the risks.
Itamaraty
In a statement, the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, headed by Mauro Vieira, said that "Brazil recalls that intentionally directed attacks against humanitarian personnel and United Nations staff, as well as against their facilities and property, are war crimes."
"Itamaraty joins the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, in his call for a full and transparent investigation into this serious incident, so that those responsible are duly held accountable," stated Itamaraty, adding that it is necessary to "strongly condemn the attack against United Nations personnel and facilities in Gaza, which resulted in the death and serious injury of staff from the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)."
According to the statement, "in expressing deep dismay at yet another episode of serious violation of international humanitarian law, the Brazilian government reiterates that all parties must respect the inviolability of United Nations facilities and ensure the protection of their personnel, as determined by the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols."
"Furthermore, we urge Israel to ensure the protection and freedom of movement of humanitarian personnel in the State of Palestine. We express our sincere condolences to the families of the victims and reaffirm our unwavering support for the work of the United Nations and its agencies, including the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), in providing humanitarian assistance in the State of Palestine."
