The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) announced Friday the martyrdom of more than 100 of its employees in the Gaza Strip as a result of the ongoing Israeli aggression on the Strip.

Commissioner-General of UNRWA, Philippe Lazzarini expressed his “deep sorrow” on this number of casualties among the staff of the UN agency, saying “Devastated. Over 100 UNRWA colleagues confirmed killed in 1 month. Parents, teachers, nurses, doctors, support staff.” He called for an immediate cease fire.

Martin Griffiths Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator said in response to the UNRWA announcement “I am heartbroken by this deeply tragic news. These colleagues were flames of hope and humanity”.

“Our thoughts remain with their families and all our brave UNRWA colleagues” he added.

In honor of the UN employees who sacrificed their lives in Gaza, UNRWA has announced that it will observe a minute’s silence in all its centers around the world on Monday, and the UN will fly flags at half-mast to commemorate its staff.