• A record 383 aid workers were killed globally in 2024, according to UN data.
• Nearly half of these deaths occurred in Gaza during ongoing conflict.
• UN officials are calling for urgent measures to protect humanitarian personnel.
• Violence against aid workers shows no sign of abating, with 265 already killed in 2025.
• Most fatalities were national staff working in their communities, targeted in their homes or in the field.

In 2024, the United Nations reported a staggering 383 aid workers were killed in global hotspots, nearly half of whom died in Gaza amid the conflict between Israel and Hamas. This marks a 31 percent increase from 2023, reflecting a growing crisis for humanitarian personnel, as highlighted by UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher, who described the situation as a “shameful indictment” of international inaction and apathy, according to TRT World, NPR, and Al Jazeera.

The number of attacks against aid workers has sharply risen, with 599 major attacks reported in 2024, compared to 420 in 2023. This has resulted not only in fatalities but also in 308 injuries, 125 kidnappings, and 45 detentions. Provisional figures show that in almost eight months of 2025 alone, at least 265 aid workers have already been killed, indicating that violence continues unabated, according to Reuters, Los Angeles Times, and AA.

Among the myriad incidents, one of the most tragic occurred in Gaza when 15 medics and emergency responders were killed in March 2024 by Israeli fire, leading to widespread condemnation. This incident was described as an "operational misunderstanding" by the Israeli military, yet it underscores the ongoing risks faced by humanitarian personnel. Fletcher emphasized that “violence against aid workers is not inevitable; it must end,” in comments reflecting the urgent need for accountability, according to TRT World and Africanews.

The UN's call to action, led by Secretary-General António Guterres, stresses the importance of political will and international commitment to protect those delivering humanitarian assistance. Guterres reiterated that “humanitarians must be respected and protected” and that violations against them can never be tolerated. The UN Security Council has also reaffirmed the necessity of protecting humanitarian personnel and conducting independent investigations into violations, urging the world to take meaningful steps to safeguard aid workers, according to Africanews and Reuters.

As the humanitarian crisis in regions like Gaza escalates, so does the danger for aid workers who are often seen as critical lifelines for millions affected by conflict. According to the Aid Worker Security Database, violence against aid workers rose in 21 different countries in 2024, necessitating urgent protective measures to restore safety and efficacy in humanitarian missions worldwide, as noted by Los Angeles Times and TRT World.