Sources to 'Post': UN officials harmed by clearing landmines, not by Israeli airstrike

Any UN officials wounded in an episode in central Gaza appear to have been caused by a process of clearing landmines and not by an Israeli airstrike, sources told The Jerusalem Post on Wednesday afternoon.

This comes after Gaza's health ministry told Reuters on Wednesday morning that one person was killed and four other people were wounded in an Israel Air Force strike on the site of a United Nations headquarters in central Gaza City.

According to Palestinian media, the person who was killed was a UN employee.

The IDF said it "did not strike a UN compound in Deir el Balah," and called on media outlets to act with caution regarding unverified reports. 

One killed and a number of UN employees injured after an Israeli air a strike on their residence in Deir El Balah in the Gaza Strip pic.twitter.com/xf41HR9szC

— Palestine in the UK (@PalMissionUK) March 19, 2025

Pressed by the Post, the IDF said that there had been an incident, but that it was not related to any kind of IDF attack in the area, and that details were still being clarified.

Subsequently, the Post received a more detailed explanation by sources regarding landmines. 

This comes against the backdrop of ongoing IAF strikes against terror targets in Gaza.

Hamas, PNC condemn

The Palestinian National Council (PNC) and Hamas both released statements condemning the alleged strike.

It is worth noting that Hamas and other terrorist groups have systematically used UN facilities throughout the war in Gaza. Many such facilities have been found to have tunnels underneath them, or have been used as hiding places for terrorists.

Hostages taken on October 7 have also reported being held in UN facilities, such as schools, shelters, houses, and other UN sites.