GAZA: Six workers with the UN’s Palestinian refugee agency were killed in just 24 hours in Gaza, the global body has said, bringing to 35 the total of its staff killed since October 7.

“Since the start of hostilities, at least 16 health workers have been killed while on duty, along with 35 UNRWA staff,” the United Nations humanitarian agency OCHA said in an update sent Tuesday on the situation up to Monday evening.

“Six of (them) were killed in the past 24 hours.

Former US president Barack Obama has warned that “any Israeli military strategy that ignores the human costs could ultimately backfire”.

In a statement issued earlier today, he asserted, “Israel has a right to defend its citizens against such wanton violence, and I fully support President Biden’s call for the United States to support our long-time ally in going after Hamas.”

He further highlighted that Israel-imposed total blockade “threatens not only to worsen a growing humanitarian crisis; it could further harden Palestinian attitudes for generations, erode global support for Israel, play into the hands of Israel’s enemies, and undermine long-term efforts to achieve peace and stability in the region”.

The US politician added: “It means recognising that Israel has every right to exist; that the Jewish people have claim to a secure homeland where they have ancient historical roots; and that there have been instances in which previous Israeli governments made meaningful efforts to resolve the dispute and provide a path for a two-state solution — efforts that were ultimately rebuffed by the other side.”