The United Nations is once again under the microscope for blaming Israel for an attack on a compound as it opts to curb its footprint in Gaza, according to the world body.

The spokesperson for United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres issued a statement noting the U.N. had “taken the difficult decision to reduce the Organization’s footprint in Gaza” even as “humanitarian needs soar.” 

U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric claimed that “information currently available” indicated that a strike on the U.N.’s Deir al Balah compound on March 19 was “caused by an Israeli tank.” One U.N. employee was killed in the incident, and six others were wounded, Dujarric said. 

U.N. and the World Health Organization vehicles wait to enter the Gaza Strip with aid intended for hospitals on April 25, 2024. (Majdi Fathi/TPS)

Truzman said the IDF’s explanation was “highly plausible.” 

“Hamas has become highly skilled at persuading the public that it does not operate from civilian infrastructure – a demonstrably false assertion,” Truzman said. In a tactic he has “witnessed for years,” he said that “Hamas and its allies deliberately embed themselves within civilian areas to evade detection.” 

Israeli soldiers sit on a tank in the northern Gaza Strip on March 18, 2025. (Amir Levy/Getty Images)

“The public must understand that Hamas’ top priority is not safeguarding Palestinian civilians but ensuring the Islamist group’s survival,” Truzman said.

Following a ceasefire and partial hostage exchange that saw 25 living and eight deceased hostages returned to Israel and almost 2,000 Palestinian prisoners released, conflict has returned to Gaza. With support from the Trump White House, Israel cut humanitarian aid to Gaza earlier this month in order to pressure Hamas into an extension of the ceasefire, and to free the hostages.