The organization expressed surprise at the move “when the Israeli occupation state continues to commit widespread war crimes.”

The PNGO Net condemned, in a statement, a recent Army attack on the UN headquarters in central Gaza, which resulted in the death of a Bulgarian worker and several foreign persons were injured.

It is impossible to justify the UN’s decision at this particular moment, under the pretext of lack of security; rather, it is necessary to increase the number of its personnel and provide international protection to the Palestinian civilians, the Network stated.

It stressed that the presence of the international organization is essential to fulfill its role of protection, surveillance, and monitoring of violations of international law, and activate accountability mechanisms.

The Palestinian NGO alliance warned that, “The withdrawal of UN staff will lead to more violations against Palestinian civilians in the Strip.”

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