The United Nations (UN) has suffered its first international casualty in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza. A personnel member of the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (DSS), whose identity remains undisclosed at present, lost his life when the vehicle he was traveling in came under attack in Rafah.

The incident occurred as the UN vehicle, en route to the European Hospital in Rafah, was struck, resulting in the fatality of the Indian national, a former personnel of the Indian Army. Another DSS staff member sustained injuries in the attack, emphasizing the perilous conditions under which humanitarian workers operate in the conflict-ridden region.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed profound sadness at the loss of the UN staff member and extended condolences to the bereaved family. Guterres condemned all attacks on UN personnel and urged for a thorough investigation into the incident. He reiterated his urgent plea for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and the release of all hostages, stressing the paramount importance of protecting humanitarian workers.

Responding to queries during a press briefing, Deputy Spokesman for the Secretary-General, Farhan Haq, confirmed that this marked the first international casualty among UN staff in Gaza since the conflict’s onset. Haq underscored the need for accountability and emphasized the UN’s commitment to working with local authorities to ensure restitution for those affected by such incidents.