135 UNRWA personnel killed in Gaza operation

KUALA LUMPUR - A total of 135 United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) personnel were killed during the Israeli military operation in Gaza since Oct 7, 2023.

They were among 188 United Nations personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty last year.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said some of the UNRWA personnel were killed along with their families by the bombardment of their homes while others were killed at work, both in offices and shelters.

"That is by far the highest number of our personnel killed in a single conflict or natural disaster since the creation of the United Nations - a reality we can never accept.

"The 135 UNRWA personnel killed in Gaza lived and died as representatives of the international community in Gaza, and that community deserves an explanation.

"I am personally devastated that despite our best efforts, we could not protect our personnel in Gaza,” he said during a memorial service in honour of UN personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty in 2023 on Thursday.

Guterres reiterated his call "for a full accounting for each and every one of these deaths.”

"We owe this to their family members and friends, to their colleagues, and to the world.

"Unfortunately, we were unable to contact many of the family members of our UNRWA colleagues because they have either been killed or forced out from their homes by Israeli military operations. The remaining UNRWA personnel were remembered with their professional titles,” he added.

In line with the institution’s rules, the consent of family members was sought for the inclusion of their loved ones’ names in the service. However, for UNRWA, only 22 families could be contacted.

Between Jan 1 and Dec 31 last year, the UN personnel lost were from a total of 37 countries, working for 18 different entities. They were military, police and civilian personnel.

Guterres said that despite differences, those who serve these values under the UN flag are entitled to protection.

"They were the embodiment of nations united. They were multilateralism in action. And they made the ultimate sacrifice for that cause. In today’s politically divided world, the UN’s core values are more important than ever,” he said. - BERNAMA