Aid Worker Deaths Hit Record Levels as Gaza and Sudan Account for Most Killings

Aid Worker Deaths Hit Record Levels as Gaza and Sudan Account for Most Killings

August 20, 2026
By Mintesinot Nigussie

At least 350 humanitarian workers were killed in 2025, making it one of the deadliest years on record for aid personnel, with more than half of the deaths recorded in the occupied Palestinian territory and one in five in Sudan, according to the Aid Worker Security Database.

The two conflicts accounted for nearly three-quarters of all aid worker killings recorded globally last year, highlighting the growing risks faced by humanitarian personnel operating in major conflict zones.

Of the 350 workers killed, 349 were national staff, according to the database, meaning local personnel who provide assistance to communities where they live bore almost all of the recorded fatalities.

The figures were highlighted by the International Rescue Committee ahead of World Humanitarian Day as humanitarian needs continue to rise while funding for relief operations comes under pressure.

"Health and aid workers are increasingly targeted," said Bob Kitchen, IRC vice-president of emergencies. He said humanitarian workers continued to operate in the world's most dangerous crises because affected populations often had no other source of assistance.

In Sudan, the IRC said aid workers face increasing risks as fighting expands and access to affected communities becomes more difficult. The organisation described Sudan as the world's largest humanitarian crisis, with worsening access and reductions in aid increasing pressure on frontline personnel.

In the occupied Palestinian territory, prolonged conflict has severely damaged civilian infrastructure and left aid workers operating amid continued violence and bombardment, according to the IRC.

International humanitarian law provides protection for humanitarian and medical personnel and prohibits attacks against them. The IRC said, however, that accountability for attacks on aid workers remains limited.

The organisation called on governments and parties to conflicts to comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law, protect civilians and aid workers, and hold those responsible for attacks accountable.

Source: FSX Business News