GENEVA: Attacks on humanitarian workers reached a record level in 2025, with Gaza emerging as the deadliest location for aid personnel, according to United Nations data released on Wednesday.
The Aid Worker Security Database recorded 907 major incidents involving aid workers last year, up from 833 in 2024. The incidents included killings, injuries and kidnappings. Although the overall number of attacks increased, the number of aid workers killed fell slightly to 350 from a record 387 the previous year.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the situation as “appalling” and called on countries to uphold international humanitarian law and ensure that those responsible for attacks are held accountable.
UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher said the growing use of inexpensive and adaptable armed drones was adding new dangers for aid workers operating in conflict zones. Drone attacks have repeatedly targeted humanitarian operations in places including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan and Ukraine.
Gaza recorded the highest number of aid worker deaths in 2025, with 186 humanitarian personnel killed during the year, followed by Sudan. The UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, has separately reported that at least 393 of its staff members have been killed since the Israel-Gaza war began in October 2023.
Israel has said it takes extensive measures to prevent civilian casualties during its military operations in Gaza. Former UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini has called for a high-level investigation into the deaths of agency staff.
Oxfam global humanitarian policy lead Bushra Khalidi urged governments and other actors to strengthen protections for humanitarian personnel, warning that the growing violence represents a wider threat to humanitarian operations.
The UN is due to honour aid workers killed in conflicts around the world during ceremonies marking World Humanitarian Day, with flags in New York and Geneva expected to be flown at half-staff. The latest figures underscore the increasingly dangerous conditions faced by people delivering life-saving assistance in war zones.
