The United Nations has reported that 281 humanitarian workers have been killed so far in 2024, making it the deadliest year on record for aid workers.

Tom Fletcher, the UN’s humanitarian chief, called the violence “devastating” and urged stronger protections for those providing aid in conflict zones.

The war in Gaza has been a major factor, with 333 aid workers killed there since October 2023, many from the UN agency supporting Palestinian refugees. Other conflict zones, including Afghanistan, Sudan, Ukraine, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, have also seen violence against humanitarian workers, who face threats like kidnappings and harassment.

The UN noted that most victims are local staff and linked the rise in attacks to a broader trend of harm to civilians in conflicts. It called for accountability and stricter enforcement of international laws to protect aid workers and civilians.