Overview
- The IDF acknowledged that its tank fire struck a UNOPS guest house in Deir al-Balah, Gaza, on March 19, killing Bulgarian aid worker Marin Marinov and injuring six others.
- Initial IDF statements denied any involvement, but the military reversed its position following internal investigations and external munitions analysis.
- The strike was attributed to an 'assessed enemy presence,' with Israeli forces failing to recognize the building as a UN facility despite its registered status.
- The United Nations temporarily evacuated 30 international staffers from Gaza following the incident, citing ongoing safety concerns for its personnel.
- The IDF has expressed regret for the incident and is conducting a full internal review, with findings to be shared with UN officials in the coming days.