Attacks on aid workers hit record high in 2025
The UN said some 907 aid workers were killed, injured or kidnapped in 2025, compared with 833 the year before, calling the trend 'appalling'.
In 2025, the number of attacks on aid workers reached a record high, with 907 workers killed, injured or kidnapped, according to the Aid Worker Security Database. Gaza was the deadliest location for humanitarian workers, with 186 casualties, more than double the 83 fatalities in 2024. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the violence as "appalling" and urged states to uphold the rules of war.
The proliferation of cheap and adaptable armed drones has exacerbated the risks faced by aid workers, contributing to the surge in attacks. In March, drone strikes in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, killed a French aid worker, while aid convoys in Sudan and Ukraine have also been targeted. Gaza, followed by Sudan, emerged as the most dangerous regions for aid workers in 2025.
The UN Palestinian refugee agency reported at least 393 staff killed in Gaza since the Israel-Gaza war commenced in October 2023. Israel maintains it makes every effort to prevent civilian casualties during its conflict with Hamas militants. Former UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini has called for a high-level panel to investigate staff deaths.
Bushra Khalidi, global humanitarian policy lead at Oxfam, emphasized the need for enhanced protections for aid workers, stating that the world is witnessing an assault on humanitarian action itself.
Written by urgent.news from Free Malaysia Today's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
Also reported by 3 other outlets
- Attacks on aid workers hit record high in 2025, UN says al-monitor.com
- Attacks on aid workers hit record high in 2025, UN says nst.com.my
- Attacks on aid workers hit record high in 2025 freemalaysiatoday.com
