UN chief saddened by death of UN security staffer in Gaza

UNITED NATIONS, May 14 -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was deeply saddened by the death of a UN Department of Safety and Security (DSS) staff member and injury to another DSS staffer in an attack in Gaza, said his deputy spokesman on Monday. The incident occurred on Monday morning when their UN-marked vehicle was struck as they were on their way to the European Hospital in Rafah, said Farhan Haq, the deputy spokesman. "The secretary-general condemns all attacks on UN personnel and calls for a full investigation. He sends his condolences to the family of the fallen staff member," he said. With the conflict in Gaza continuing to take a heavy toll -- not only on civilians, but also on humanitarian workers -- the secretary-general reiterates his urgent appeal for an immediate humanitarian cease-fire and for the release of all hostages, said Haq.