IDF Admits UN Worker Killed, UN Cuts Gaza Staff

The Israeli military has admitted responsibility for a March 19 strike on a United Nations facility in central Gaza that killed Bulgarian UN staffer Marin Valev Marinov and injured several others, reversing earlier denials. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said the building was mistakenly targeted due to a misidentification, not realizing it was a UN compound. Both the UN and international officials condemned the attack as a violation of international law and renewed calls for the protection of humanitarian workers. The IDF has expressed deep regret, shared its findings with the UN, and pledged a full review to prevent such incidents. This admission comes amid ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza following the collapse of a ceasefire. In response to the renewed violence, the UN has reduced its international staff presence in Gaza.