UN Flags Half-Mast in Honor of Fallen Staff in Gaza

On Monday, November 13, UN staff observed a minute of silence to honor 101 employees of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) who were killed since the onset of the Israel-Hamas war last month. This marks the largest loss of humanitarian workers in the 78-year history of the UN. UN offices in Geneva also lit candles to commemorate the fallen staff. On the same day, flags at UN offices worldwide were flown at half-mast. According to Reuters, Tatiana Valovaya, the Director-General of the UN Office in Geneva, stated, 'This is the highest number of aid workers killed in our organization's history in such a short period.' She added, 'We have gathered here in this very symbolic place to pay tribute to our brave colleagues who sacrificed their lives while serving under the UN flag.' UNRWA reported that some of its staff were killed while waiting in line for bread, while others were at home with their families in the Gaza Strip during the Israeli air and ground assault against Hamas. The United States, the European Union, and Japan have designated the Hamas militia, which is supported by the Islamic Republic, as a terrorist group. Valovaya remarked, 'I must say that we are facing a very challenging time for multilateralism in the world; however, the United Nations is more united and cohesive than ever.' Tom White, the director of UNRWA in Gaza, stated, 'UNRWA employees in Gaza appreciate the lowering of the UN flag worldwide. However, in Gaza, we must keep the UN flag raised to signify that we are still standing and serving the people of Gaza.' Philippe Lazzarini, the UNRWA Commissioner-General, also stated on November 13 in Geneva that the organization's strategic fuel storage at the Israeli border is gradually running out. He added that the organization's request to the Israeli army for replenishing this fuel supply has gone unanswered. Israel has prevented fuel imports into Gaza, emphasizing that the fuel could be used for Hamas's offensive operations. Meanwhile, many hospitals in Gaza have been closed due to damage from the ongoing war or lack of fuel. Lazzarini also mentioned that without fuel, desalination plants in Gaza, which provide drinking water for at least 290,000 people, will inevitably cease operations on Wednesday, November 15. Earlier, the Israeli army announced that it had supplied 300 liters of fuel for 'urgent medical supplies' to the Shifa hospital in Gaza City, but Hamas prevented the medical center from receiving it. In a statement released by the Israeli army regarding this issue, it was noted that 'Hamas officials prevented the hospital from receiving this fuel.' Netanyahu opposed handing over control of Gaza to the Palestinian Authority after Hamas's destruction. The Israeli army evacuated two hospitals in Gaza; newborns from Shifa hospital will be transferred on Sunday. Clashes occurred around the largest hospital in Gaza; Palestinians protested against aid management by Hamas. Shukria Baradost: The world is preparing for Gaza after Hamas. Guterres's response to Netanyahu: I have condemned Hamas from the very beginning. Israel: We sent 300 liters of fuel to Shifa hospital; Hamas took the fuel. The main hospital in Gaza is in blackout; the Red Cross: the health system has reached a point of no return. Israel has expressed readiness to evacuate children from Shifa hospital in Gaza. Netanyahu: Hamas rejected Israel's request to provide fuel to Shifa hospital. Leaders of member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation called for an immediate end to the war in Gaza. The International Committee of the Red Cross called for immediate protection of civilians in Gaza. The Israeli Defense Minister stated that the only way to help return Israeli hostages is through military pressure. Sullivan: The US does not want to witness war in Gaza hospitals. The Israeli war cabinet minister: Syrian and Iranian executioners cannot preach to us.