Eleven workers at the United Nations service for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) and 30 students from schools managed by this agency have been killed since Saturday in the Gaza Strip, the UN secretary-general’s spokesman announced.

Three teachers and eight other students were injured, according to Stephane Dujarric.

Jennifer Austin, UNRWA’s Gaza official, said five UNRWA school teachers, a gynecologist, an engineer, a mental health counselor and three members of support groups were killed. “Some were killed in their homes with their families“, he added.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, expressing his grief for “colleagues who paid the ultimate price”, once again called for civilians to be protected.

Across the Gaza Strip, some 220,200 Palestinians have sought refuge in 92 UNRWA facilities, he said.

“I call on all sides and all those who exercise influence on these sides to avoid any further escalation“, he said speaking to journalists.

Guterres also called for “unhindered humanitarian access’ to Gaza. “The supply of basic necessities, including fuel, food and water, must be allowed“, he insisted.