The United Nations is facing scrutiny again for allegedly blaming Israel for an attack on a compound while simultaneously reducing its presence in Gaza, according to the organization.

Secretary-General António Guterres’ spokesperson released a statement noting the “difficult decision to reduce the Organization’s footprint in Gaza” despite increasing “humanitarian needs.”

U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric stated that “information currently available” suggested that an Israeli tank caused a strike on the U.N.’s Deir al Balah compound on March 19, resulting in the death of one U.N. employee and injuries to six others.

On the day of the incident, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) tweeted that “contrary to reports, the IDF did not strike a U.N. compound in Deir el Balah,” urging media outlets “to act with caution regarding unverified reports.”

The IDF told Digital that the U.N.’s claim was “absolutely not accurate.”

While the U.N. statement named Israel, it did not mention Hamas or other extremist groups in Gaza. Dujarric stated, “The location of this U.N. compound was well known to the parties to the conflict,” adding, “I reiterate that all parties to the conflict are bound by international law to protect the absolute inviolability of U.N. premises. Without this, our colleagues face intolerable risks as they work to save the lives of civilians.” He also said that the “Secretary-General strongly condemns these strikes and demands a full, thorough and independent investigation on this incident.”

Foundation for Defense of Democracies research analyst Joe Truzman told Digital that Dujarric’s statement created the “impression… that the United Nations has deliberately avoided criticizing Hamas and the other Palestinian terrorist groups in Gaza for fear of creating friction with the armed groups. This failed strategy has only emboldened Hamas and its allies, allowing them to exploit UNRWA facilities in Gaza with impunity. Time and again, authorities have uncovered terrorist infrastructure connected to UNRWA facilities, including agency employees who were members of terrorist groups and committed atrocities on October 7.”

On March 23, the IDF killed Hamas political bureau member Ismail Barhoum in Khan Younis, Gaza. After media outlets, including Al Jazeera, reported that Barhoum was being treated at the hospital, IDF international spokesperson Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani tweeted that Barhoum had “held meetings with other terrorists and senior figures in the terrorist organization” while staying “in the hospital for many weeks.”

Truzman stated that 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. He added that “Hamas and its allies deliberately embed themselves within civilian areas to evade detection,” a tactic he has “witnessed for years.”

“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 resulted in the return of 25 living and eight deceased hostages to Israel and the release of almost 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, conflict has resumed in Gaza. Israel cut humanitarian aid to Gaza earlier this month to pressure Hamas into extending the ceasefire and releasing the hostages.

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