A United Nations staff member was among ten individuals killed during an Israeli military operation in the occupied West Bank, marking a tragic escalation in the ongoing conflict. The death of Sufyan Jaber Abed Jawwad, a sanitation worker for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), has sparked international concern and condemnation.
Details of the Incident
On September 12, an Israeli military operation in the Far’a camp of the West Bank resulted in the deaths of ten people, including Jawwad. According to UNRWA, Jawwad was shot and killed by a sniper while on the roof of his home. He was reportedly having a coffee when he was struck by three bullets to the chest. Juliette Touma, UNRWA’s communications director, provided this detail in a statement to CNN.
The Israeli military, however, has presented a different account. Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed that Jawwad was involved in “terrorist activities” and was hurling explosive devices at IDF troops. Shoshani stated that Jawwad had previously been identified by Israeli security forces as being involved in various acts of terrorism. The IDF also reported that they had dismantled a vehicle rigged with explosives and other weaponry during the operation.
International Reactions and Controversies
The death of Jawwad, who is the first UNRWA staff member killed in the West Bank in over a decade, has drawn widespread condemnation. Jordan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs labelled the killing as a “heinous crime” in a statement. This incident comes amid a backdrop of heightened violence and humanitarian crises in the region.
In Gaza, the situation has been dire, with at least 220 UNRWA staff members reported killed since October 7. The agency’s chief, Philippe Lazzarini, highlighted the severe impact on humanitarian operations due to ongoing conflicts.
Broader Impact on Humanitarian Efforts
The recent escalation in violence has severely affected humanitarian work in the West Bank. The UNRWA has been forced to suspend services due to the “unacceptable risk” posed to both staff and aid recipients. This includes destruction of basic infrastructure like water and electricity in areas such as El Far’a, Tulkarem, Nur Shams, and Jenin.
The increased Israeli military actions have had a profound impact on these refugee camps, complicating the already challenging conditions for residents and humanitarian workers.
US and International Responses
In light of these events, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has called for “fundamental changes” in the way Israeli forces operate in the West Bank. This call for reform follows the killing of American activist Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, who was involved in a protest and hit by IDF fire, which the IDF later described as an “indirect and unintentional” result.
Casualties and Conflict
Since October, nearly 700 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank, according to figures from the Palestinian Ministry of Health and the UN. These numbers include both militants and civilians, reflecting the complexity of the conflict and the high civilian toll.
Conclusion
The killing of Sufyan Jaber Abed Jawwad has highlighted the dire humanitarian situation in the West Bank and the escalating tensions between Israeli forces and Palestinian groups. As the conflict continues, the international community remains deeply concerned about the safety of civilians and humanitarian workers in the region.
