The United Nations is once again under scrutiny for holding Israel accountable for an attack on a compound while deciding to reduce its presence in Gaza, as announced by the organization.
In a statement by the spokesperson for United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, it was mentioned that the U.N. had made the tough choice to downsize its operations in Gaza amidst a significant increase in humanitarian needs.
According to U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric, the information available at present suggests that the strike on the U.N.’s Deir al Balah compound on March 19 was allegedly carried out by an Israeli tank. Dujarric reported that one U.N. staff member lost their life in the attack, while six others were injured.
U.N. and the World Health Organization vehicles wait to enter the Gaza Strip with aid intended for hospitals on April 25, 2024. (Majdi Fathi/TPS)
Truzman said the IDF’s explanation was “highly plausible.”
“Hamas has become highly skilled at persuading the public that it does not operate from civilian infrastructure – a demonstrably false assertion,” Truzman said. In a tactic he has “witnessed for years,” he said that “Hamas and its allies deliberately embed themselves within civilian areas to evade detection.”
Israeli soldiers sit on a tank in the northern Gaza Strip on March 18, 2025. (Amir Levy/Getty Images)
“The public must understand that Hamas’ top priority is not safeguarding Palestinian civilians but ensuring the Islamist group’s survival,” Truzman said.
Following a ceasefire and partial hostage exchange that saw 25 living and eight deceased hostages returned to Israel and almost 2,000 Palestinian prisoners released, conflict has returned to Gaza. With support from the Trump White House, Israel cut humanitarian aid to Gaza earlier this month in order to pressure Hamas into an extension of the ceasefire, and to free the hostages.
