UN Seeks Probe as Gaza Strikes Kill Two Young Brothers

Two children clear debris outside a tent in Gaza City.

The UN has called for an investigation into the recent “horrific” killing of two young brothers in Gaza, reportedly struck by an Israeli drone while collecting firewood.

Humanitarian agencies continue to receive reports that air strikes, shelling, gunfire and other ongoing Israeli military operations in the enclave are causing further civilian casualties, displacement and widespread destruction.

In recent days, hundreds of families were reportedly displaced from two neighbourhoods in eastern Gaza City following strikes and the movement of military equipment, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric told journalists in New York on Wednesday.

Investigation and accountability

Commenting on the killing of the boys, which occurred on Saturday, Mr. Dujarric said the incident was “horrific, to say the least”.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) acknowledged the strike, stating that troops had identified two “terrorists” crossing the “yellow line” in northern Gaza, posing an immediate threat.

“It’s hard to see how two boys, eight and 10, can be considered a threat,” Mr. Dujarric said. “There needs to be an investigation and accountability into what happened.”

Health sector support in Rafah

Across Gaza, the UN and its partners continue to provide assistance wherever access is possible. Six additional healthcare service points have opened since Sunday.

A World Health Organization (WHO) team reached the European Hospital in Rafah — still non-operational — to move essential equipment to functioning facilities. However, Israeli authorities continue to deny access to Kamal Adwan Hospital in North Gaza.

WHO also facilitated the first patient transfer to the Emirati Field Hospital since the Rafah incursion last year, which had made the facility inaccessible. It remains the only functioning medical facility serving the Rafah area.

Winter supplies for vulnerable households

Winter preparations are a priority. Since Sunday, around 4,400 families across Gaza have received tents, tarpaulins, blankets, winter clothing and kitchen sets through UN-coordinated deliveries.

Humanitarian partners managing displacement sites are also preparing safer locations for families seeking to leave high-risk shoreline areas.

Moving to safety

In Khan Younis, roughly 4,000 households are living along the coast, with about 1,000 considered at particularly high risk. Some have begun relocating to two newly prepared sites identified as safe by the local municipality.

Efforts to improve water and sanitation access are also underway. Partners report that 42 truckloads of debris have been cleared in the past 48 hours to access three wells in Beit Lahiya, with repairs expected to start soon.

Deadly hazards from unexploded ordnance

Unexploded remnants of war continue to pose grave risks. Over the past week, humanitarian teams carried out 50 assessments across Gaza to reduce dangers for aid workers.

Six people were reportedly killed and another 10 injured last week in two separate incidents involving explosive ordnance in Gaza City and Deir Al-Balah.