The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) reported on Wednesday that nine of its employees lost their lives due to Israeli airstrikes in Gaza since the bombardments began on Saturday.

“Nine UN staffers working with @UNRWA have been killed in airstrikes in the Gaza Strip since Saturday,” the UNRWA said in a statement. “Humanitarians and civilians are #NotATarget.”

In another tweet on Wednesday, the agency said, “9 of our @UN staffers have been killed in airstrikes in #GazaStrip since Saturday.

“The protection of civilians is paramount, including in times of conflict. They should be protected in accordance with the laws of war.”

Six of the deceased workers were said to be staff members while the three others were contractors.

Three teachers were also reportedly injured.

“Two UNRWA schools were affected by airstrikes, bringing total number of our installations affected by the conflict to 20,” it also said.

About 2,000 people have been killed since the violence started on Saturday.