The United Nations said it is reducing its international staff numbers in Gaza by about a third after Israeli strikes in the enclave that have killed hundreds of civilians, including United Nations personnel, Reuters reports.

UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric told a regular news briefing the move was taken for security and operational reasons and would involve the withdrawal of about 30 of the 100 or so international staff currently in Gaza.

“What we’re doing is reducing the number of international staff members by about one third this week, maybe a bit more likely to come. It’s a temporary measure. We hope to have people return to Gaza as soon as practicable,” he said. He stresed that the UN was not leaving Gaza.

“The Secretary-General has taken the difficult decision … even as humanitarian needs soar and our concern over the protection of civilians intensifies,” he said. “The organisation remains committed to continuing to provide aid that civilians depend on for their survival and protection.”