New photographic evidence analyzed by munitions experts suggests that Israeli tank shells were likely responsible for the March 19 strike on a United Nations guesthouse in Gaza, which killed Bulgarian aid worker Marin Marinov and injured five other international staff.
Despite the findings, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have denied responsibility for the attack. The explosions came just a day after an unexpected Israeli bombing ended a fragile two-month truce in the region.
At approximately 11:30 a.m. on March 19, UN staff were inspecting roof damage at the compound caused by a previous incident.
While seated outside the building, one shell reportedly exploded in midair, killing Marinov, 51. Two minutes later, a second shell struck the structure, causing additional destruction.
A graphic video taken moments after the blasts shows the chaos that followed: a man lying in a pool of blood, trees stripped of leaves, severed power lines, and anguished screams filling the air.
In response to the footage and exclusive photographs obtained by The Washington Post, multiple arms experts identified shell fragments consistent with Israeli-made M339 multi-purpose tank shells. These projectiles, designed to penetrate reinforced structures, are typically deployed from Merkava tanks used by Israeli forces.
Supporting the analysts’ claims, satellite images from the day of the incident show Israeli military vehicles, including a Merkava tank, in close proximity to the UN guesthouse in Gaza. Yet the IDF has dismissed the reports, cautioning against accepting what they described as “unverified claims.”
The UN had formally communicated the location and protected status of the guesthouse to Israeli authorities prior to the attack. UN spokesman Stéphane Dujarric condemned the incident and urged for full accountability. “Targeting clearly marked humanitarian facilities is unacceptable under international law,” he said.
According to military analysts, the precision and nature of the strike—particularly the use of M339 shells—suggest a deliberate targeting of individuals at the compound rather than collateral damage.
The shell type, known for its capacity to explode above ground or upon impact, raises further questions about the intent behind the strike.
Marinov’s death marked the second loss of a United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) employee during the ongoing conflict, which erupted in October 2023. Since then, UNOPS has reported at least 280 staff fatalities, while Palestinian casualties have surpassed 50,000.
The incident has deepened tensions between humanitarian organizations and Israeli military forces, amid increasing reports of aid convoys being targeted.
International law mandates the protection of humanitarian workers and facilities during armed conflict. However, repercussions for attacks on aid personnel have remained minimal, according to human rights monitors.
In the aftermath of the strike, the UN evacuated approximately 30 international staff members from Gaza, citing security risks. Marinov, a seasoned humanitarian with a long record of service in conflict zones, was buried in his hometown in Bulgaria on March 30. Tributes from around the world honored his dedication and sacrifice.
Calls for an independent investigation into the March 19 incident continue to mount, as the international community demands accountability for the deaths of aid workers operating under the UN flag.