24 April 2025
We acknowledge the reported initial findings of the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) today that a tank round was the cause of the death of a Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµOPS colleague in Deir al Balah, central Gaza on 19 March 2025.
This is consistent with known facts to the Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ: this incident was a result of a tank round into a fully deconflicted Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµOPS premises. Full accountability must be ensured with respect to the grave violations of international law that have been committed.
Marin Valev Marinov, 51, a Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµOPS colleague from Bulgaria,?tragically died in the military assault on Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµOPS premises. The killing of any aid worker is a clear breach of humanitarian law. Nine others, including six other Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ colleagues were also injured in this incident.
Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ workers should never be targeted and the location of these premises were well known by all parties. Attacks against humanitarian premises are a breach of international law, and Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ personnel and its premises must be protected by all sides.
We renew the Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ call for the resumption of the ceasefire, for unimpeded humanitarian assistance to be reestablished and for the remaining hostages to be released unconditionally.
Statement attributable to Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Under-Secretary-General and Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµOPS Executive Director?Jorge Moreira da Silva.
Document Sources: United Nations Office for Project Services (Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµOPS)
Subject: Armed conflict, Casualties, Human rights and international humanitarian law
Publication Date: 24/04/2025
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