Staff, Teachers and Students of UN-Managed Schools in Gaza Killed Since Israeli Air Strike

Israeli attacks on Gaza. (Wikimedia Commons/PBB OCHA)

JAKARTA - The air attacks launched by Israel on Gaza not only killed militants and civilians, the United Nations staff and students at schools run by the world body were also victims.

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) said at least 11 employees working for the agency had died as a result of Israeli airstrikes since last Saturday.

"I am deeply saddened to confirm that 11 UNRWA colleagues have been killed since 7 October in the Gaza Strip," UNRWA Deputy Director for Gaza Affairs Jenifer Austin said in a statement Wednesday, reported by CNN, October 12.

"They included five teachers at UNRWA schools, one obstetrician, one engineer, one psychological counselor, and three support staff. Some were killed in their homes with their families," said Austin.

In a separate statement, the UN said eleven teachers at schools in Gaza run by the banda and 30 students were killed as a result of attacks in the area, while three teachers and eight students were injured.

The agency warned that the ongoing conflict "has forced the closure of 14 food distribution centers as well as a reduction in operations."

“We have people responding to the needs of people in shelters. "They provide refugees with mattresses, bedding, clean water, and food, in collaboration with the UN's World Food Program (WFP)," explained UNRWA Communications Director Juliette Touma.

Separately, UN Secretary-General António Guterres acknowledged the deaths of UN workers.

"I am very sorry that some of my colleagues have suffered the consequences. No time is wasted, every moment counts," said Guterres.