Photo: Depositphotos
The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) have handed over to the United Nations the preliminary findings of an investigation into an incident that resulted in the death of a UN staff member in the Gaza Strip. The incident took place on 19 March 2025 in the Deir el-Balah area, where the staff member was stationed at a UN position.
According to information gathered by the General Staff Fact-Finding and Assessment Mechanism, headed by retired Major General Yoav Har-Even, the tragedy was caused by tank fire from Israeli forces operating in the area. The building in which the staff member was staying was hit because of a suspected enemy presence, but the military did not identify the facility as belonging to the UN.
The IDF Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, received a detailed report and ordered the inspection to be completed in the coming days, pending further information. Upon completion, the full results will be shared with the UN.
The Israeli Defence Forces expressed regret over the incident and condolences to the victim’s family. The IDF statement underlined its commitment to transparency and ongoing dialogue with international bodies in order to improve coordination, learn lessons and prevent similar events in the future.
