UN says its staff, facilities continue to come under fire in Gaza despite ceasefire

By Muhammet Ikbal Arslan and Ilayda Cakirtekin

GENEVA / ISTANBUL (AA) – The UN humanitarian office (OCHA) staff and facilities in the Gaza Strip are still being shot at, a spokesperson said.

"Even with a ceasefire in place, UN staff and facilities in Gaza are being shot at," Jens Laerke said in response to Anadolu’s question.

He noted that a courtyard inside an UNRWA school in Jabalya was bombed on Monday, and that the following night shots were fired at a UNOPS team at the Kerem Shalom crossing, "hitting their clearly marked vehicle."

"These attacks put UN staff, our NGO partners and the people relying on our support in grave danger and further obstruct life-saving work," Laerke said.

He reiterated the need to protect civilians, including humanitarian workers, as well as civilian infrastructure under international humanitarian law.

"We urge all parties to safeguard civilian lives and guarantee the safe passage of humanitarian assistance," Laerke added.

Hamas and Israel reached a ceasefire agreement mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and Türkiye, with US backing, whose first phase came into effect on Oct. 10.

Phase one of the ceasefire deal includes the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. The plan also envisages the rebuilding of Gaza and the establishment of a new governing mechanism without Hamas.

Israel has killed nearly 70,000 people, mostly women and children, and injured over 170,000 others in attacks in Gaza since October 2023.