The United Nations is pulling about a third of its international staff out of Gaza, a reduction that comes after an Israeli tank shell hit a UN compound.
The United Nations announced on Monday it would reduce its presence in the Gaza Strip, withdrawing about a third of its international staff after repeated Israeli strikes on its facilities.
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a statement that the decision to reduce the organization's presence in the Gaza Strip was a “difficult one” at a time when humanitarian needs have risen sharply and renewed Israeli attacks have killed hundreds of Palestinians, including women and children.
The withdrawal announced Monday will mark the first time since the Israel-Hamas war began in 2023 that the United Nations will reduce its personnel in the Gaza Strip but maintain a presence there.
“The UN is not leaving Gaza. The organization remains committed to continuing to provide assistance that is essential for the survival and protection of civilians,” Mr. Guterres said in a statement.
At least 280 UN staff have been killed since the war in Gaza began, Mr Guterres said, the largest loss of life in any conflict in the organisation's history.
UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said about 30 percent of the organization's roughly 100 international staff from various agencies would leave Gaza within the next week, with more likely to leave in the coming weeks.
