UN Aid Worker Killed in Gaza Amid Fragile Ceasefire

A United Nations relief worker has been killed in Gaza despite an ongoing ceasefire between Hamas and the Israeli military, according to the UN agency responsible for Palestinian refugees. The death has intensified concern over the safety of humanitarian personnel operating in the enclave, where sporadic violence continues even during declared pauses in fighting.

The agency confirmed that the staff member was killed on Tuesday during Israeli airstrikes that followed an earlier attack by Hamas militants in Rafah. The aid worker was reportedly struck while walking along Salah Eddin Street in central Gaza. The incident occurred amid renewed exchanges of fire that have strained the already fragile ceasefire framework.

According to the agency’s latest figures, 391 of its staff members and affiliated partners have lost their lives since the conflict began. The toll underscores the severe risks faced by humanitarian workers who continue to provide assistance in densely populated areas affected by ongoing hostilities.

In northern Gaza, Israeli forces demolished a UN school in Jabalia, the agency confirmed. The facility was located behind what is referred to as the Yellow Line, an area separating Israeli military positions from civilian zones. The agency stated that eight of its schools within this militarised zone were demolished between January and February. The destruction of educational infrastructure has further complicated efforts to maintain continuity in learning for displaced children.

Despite the deteriorating security situation, humanitarian operations have continued in several parts of Gaza. UN teams recently facilitated the evacuation of 18 patients and 26 accompanying relatives through the Rafah crossing. Medical evacuations remain limited but are considered critical for patients requiring urgent care unavailable within Gaza.

At Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, aid workers established a reception area to support returning residents. Forty one returnees were received earlier this week. Since Rafah reopened in early February, just over 220 people have crossed in each direction, reflecting modest but significant movement after prolonged closures.

Efforts to address the needs of children have also continued. Humanitarian partners delivered stationery and toys aimed at improving learning conditions for thousands of young students. Four new temporary learning spaces were opened last week, bringing the total number to approximately 450 facilities serving more than 5,500 students across the territory.

Between January 29 and February 4, child protection teams distributed winter supplies and provided psychosocial support to more than 6,500 children and caregivers. Nearly 3,800 children received warm clothing as part of cold weather assistance programs.

The killing of the UN worker highlights the persistent volatility in Gaza and the ongoing challenges facing humanitarian agencies striving to operate under ceasefire conditions that remain uncertain and fragile.