Attacks on aid workers hit record high in 2025

In 2025, the number of attacks on humanitarian workers reached a record high, with 907 aid workers killed, injured, or kidnapped, according to the Aid Worker Security Database. This figure represents a 21% increase from 2024, when 833 such incidents occurred. The United Nations described the situation as "appalling" and urged states to adhere to the rules of war and hold perpetrators accountable.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized that serving others has become more dangerous than ever. The proliferation of cheap and adaptable armed drones has exacerbated the risks faced by aid workers, particularly in conflicts such as those in Sudan and Ukraine, where aid convoys have been repeatedly targeted. Gaza emerged as the deadliest location for humanitarian workers in 2025, with 186 fatalities, followed by Sudan.

Since the Israel-Hamas war began in October 2023, at least 393 UN personnel have been killed in Gaza, according to the UN Palestinian refugee agency. Israel maintains that it takes great care to avoid civilian casualties in its conflict with Hamas. Former UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini has called for a high-level panel to investigate staff deaths, while Bushra Khalidi, global humanitarian policy lead at Oxfam, has called for greater protections for aid workers, stating that humanity's actions are under attack.