Archive · 19 Aug 2026
UN Reports Record Aid Worker Attacks Amid Rising Drone Threats
Aid workers help people during wars and disasters, but they faced more serious attacks in 2025 than ever before.
A total of 907 aid workers were killed, injured or kidnapped.
This was more than the 833 affected in 2024.
However, fewer workers were killed in 2025 than in 2024.
Armed drones were one reason the work became more dangerous.
Gaza was the deadliest place for aid workers, followed by Sudan.
United Nations leaders said countries must follow the rules of war and punish people who attack aid workers.
Israel said it works hard to avoid civilian deaths, while aid groups called for stronger protections and investigations.
A record 907 aid workers were killed, injured or kidnapped in 2025, up from 833 in 2024.
The number killed fell slightly to 350 in 2025 from a record 387 the previous year.
The United Nations linked increased risks partly to the spread of cheap, adaptable armed drones.
Gaza was the deadliest location, with 186 humanitarian workers killed there in 2025, followed by Sudan.
UN leaders and Oxfam called for stronger protections, respect for the laws of war and accountability for perpetrators.
- Who
- Aid workers, the United Nations, Oxfam and parties involved in conflicts including Israel and Hamas.
- What
- A record number of humanitarian workers were killed, injured or kidnapped in attacks during 2025.
- When
- In 2025; the United Nations discussed the figures ahead of World Humanitarian Day on August 19.
- Where
- Gaza was the deadliest location, followed by Sudan; attacks were also reported in Ukraine and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
- Why
- The United Nations said the risks increased partly because armed drones have become more widely available and adaptable.
UN and aid groups
Israel
Protection and accountability
UN and aid groups
United Nations leaders and Oxfam called for stronger protection of aid workers, compliance with the rules of war and accountability for those responsible. Philippe Lazzarini said he was seeking a high-level panel to investigate staff deaths.
Israel
Israel, which is fighting Hamas in Gaza, said it goes to great lengths to avoid all civilian casualties.
- Aid workers affected in 2025
- 907 killed, injured or kidnapped
- Aid workers affected in 2024
- 833 killed, injured or kidnapped
- Aid workers killed in 2025
- 350
- Aid workers killed in 2024
- 387, a record
- Deadliest location
- Gaza, where 186 humanitarian workers were killed in 2025
- Other heavily affected locations
- Sudan, Ukraine and the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo
- UNRWA staff deaths
- At least 393 staff members have been reported killed in Gaza since October 7, 2023