We acknowledge the reported initial findings of the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) today that a tank round was the cause of the death of a UNOPS colleague in Deir al Balah, central Gaza on 19 March 2025.

This is consistent with known facts to the UN: this incident was a result of a tank round into a fully deconflicted UNOPS premises. Full accountability must be ensured with respect to the grave violations of international law that have been committed.

Marin Valev Marinov, 51, a UNOPS colleague from Bulgaria, tragically died in the military assault on UNOPS premises. The killing of any aid worker is a clear breach of humanitarian law. Nine others, including six other UN colleagues were also injured in this incident.

UN workers should never be targeted and the location of these premises were well known by all parties. Attacks against humanitarian premises are a breach of international law, and UN personnel and its premises must be protected by all sides. 

We renew the UN call for the resumption of the ceasefire, for unimpeded humanitarian assistance to be reestablished and for the remaining hostages to be released unconditionally.

Statement attributable to UN Under-Secretary-General and UNOPS Executive Director Jorge Moreira da Silva.