UN Withdraws One-Third of Staff from Gaza Amid Escalating Violence

The United Nations announced on Monday that it will reduce its presence in Gaza by withdrawing about one-third of its international staff following an Israeli tank strike that killed a UN worker and injured five others. This decision comes amidst escalating violence, with renewed Israeli bombardments resulting in hundreds of Palestinian civilian casualties. UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized that the organization remains committed to providing essential aid despite the reduced footprint, which is a response to increasing security concerns. UN spokesman Stéphane Dujarric indicated that the strikes on their compound were attributed to an Israeli tank, a claim that Israel has denied. The UN will maintain a significant presence in Gaza, with approximately 13,000 national staff continuing to operate there. Dujarric called for a thorough investigation into the incident at the UN facility, underscoring the need for accountability.