In a stark reversal, Israel’s military has acknowledged it was responsible for the death of a United Nations worker in Gaza last month — a strike it initially denied.
The victim, Marin Valev Marinov, a Bulgarian national working with the UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS), was killed on March 19 when tank fire hit a UN guesthouse in Deir al-Balah. Five other UN personnel were seriously injured.
At the time, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed it had not struck any UN compound. But in a statement issued Thursday, the IDF admitted its forces did hit the building — wrongly believing it housed an “enemy presence.” The UN facility had not been identified as such by the soldiers on the ground, the statement said.
“We Regret This Serious Incident”
The IDF now says it regrets the strike and has shared preliminary findings of its investigation with the UN, promising a full report in due course.
“We express our deep sorrow for the loss and send our condolences to the family,” the statement read.
But the UN’s response has been more direct. UN Secretary General António Guterres called for a full investigation almost immediately after the incident, stressing that all parties in the conflict know the locations of UN facilities and are obligated under international law to avoid targeting them.
Jorge Moreira da Silva, executive director of UNOPS, said the strike was “not an accident,” suggesting negligence or disregard. Video footage from the aftermath — verified by the BBC — showed UN workers in blue vests arriving at a hospital, injured and bleeding.
A Pattern of Civilian Casualties
This isn’t the first time Israel’s military actions in Gaza have resulted in civilian or humanitarian casualties. Earlier this week, the IDF admitted to “professional failures” that led to the deaths of 15 emergency workers during a separate operation.
Since Israel renewed its offensive against Hamas in March — following the breakdown of a temporary ceasefire — Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry claims nearly 2,000 people have been killed. The broader toll since October 2023 now exceeds 51,000 deaths in Gaza.
Meanwhile, Israel insists its military actions are focused on pressuring Hamas to release 59 hostages, 24 of whom are believed to still be alive.
A Humanitarian Collapse
The military campaign has also brought Gaza to the brink of humanitarian collapse. Israel has blocked all aid deliveries for over seven weeks, prompting the UN to warn that people are being “further deprived of the means for survival.”
Civilians continue to bear the brunt of the war. Hospitals are overwhelmed. Food and water are scarce. And now, even UN facilities — which are supposed to be safe zones — are no longer spared.
What Happens Next?
This incident raises serious questions not only about military accountability, but also about the safety of humanitarian workers in conflict zones.
As international scrutiny grows, pressure is mounting on both Israel and Hamas to return to negotiations. But on the ground, the cost continues to rise — not just in numbers, but in shattered lives, lost trust, and deepening tragedy.
