New York, May 28 (Petra) – The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) on Wednesday revealed harrowing details surrounding the killing of one of its staff members in Gaza, describing it as a "field execution."

In an official statement, UNRWA emphasized that its personnel "are not a target," as it recounted the disappearance of its employee, Kamal, who left his home in Rafah on March 23 wearing a UN vest and driving a clearly marked UN vehicle. The agency lost contact with him shortly thereafter.

His whereabouts remained unknown for days until his body was discovered in a mass grave, alongside the remains of Palestinian Red Crescent paramedics reportedly killed by Israeli forces. According to UNRWA, Kamal had sustained one or more fatal blows to the back of his skull before being buried next to the medics.

The agency stated it has yet to receive any direct response from Israeli authorities despite repeated inquiries into Kamal’s death.

"Kamal worked with UNRWA for over 20 years. He leaves behind a wife and children. This is one of many unbearable tragedies. Impunity paves the way for further atrocities," said UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini.

He called for an independent investigation into Kamal’s death and the deaths of more than 310 UNRWA staff who have been killed in Gaza so far, highlighting that the UN has suffered its highest-ever casualty toll in a single conflict during the ongoing war in Gaza.

//Petra// AF

28/05/2025 22:02:04