Marin Valev Marinov

Their life

​Marin Valev Marinov, a 51-year-old Bulgarian national and United Nations staff member, was married and had two children, aged 29 and 25. He resided with his wife in Varna, Bulgaria, while his mother, brother, and sister remained in his hometown of Yambol. Marinov was a seasoned maritime professional who transitioned into humanitarian work, joining the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) in 2016. He served in various capacities, including as a Maritime Inspector for the UN Verification and Inspection Mechanism for Yemen, and later worked with the UN2720 Mechanism for Gaza, supporting the delivery of life-saving aid to civilians

Marin Valev Marinov (1973–2025) was a Bulgarian humanitarian worker and maritime professional who dedicated his career to international service. He was killed on March 19, 2025, in Deir al-Balah, Gaza, when Israeli tank fire struck a United Nations guesthouse where he was stationed.

Early Life and Maritime Career
Marinov was originally from Yambol, Bulgaria, and later lived in Varna with his wife. He was a seasoned mariner and vessel master, bringing extensive experience into his humanitarian roles.

United Nations Service
In 2016, Marinov joined the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) as a Maritime Inspector for the United Nations Verification and Inspection Mechanism for Yemen. After a period with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), he returned to UNOPS in 2024 to support the UN2720 Mechanism for Gaza, facilitating the delivery of essential aid to civilians.

Death and Aftermath
On March 19, 2025, Marinov was killed when two UN guesthouses in Deir al-Balah were struck by explosions. Initially, the Israel Defense Forces denied involvement but later admitted that a tank shell had hit the facility after mistakenly identifying it as housing enemy combatants. The UN condemned the strike, noting that the coordinates of all UN premises had been shared with parties to the conflict and should have been protected.

Five other UN personnel were also seriously injured. The UN launched an internal investigation and called for full accountability.

Legacy
Marinov is remembered for his warmth, kindness, strong team spirit, and unwavering commitment to humanitarian service. His death is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by aid workers in conflict zones and the importance of protecting UN staff and facilities.

He is survived by his wife and two children, aged 29 and 25.

How they died

He was killed when a UN guesthouse was hit by Israeli tank fire

He was killed when a UN guesthouse was hit by Israeli tank fire, which the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) later admitted to, after initially denying involvement

A plea from the family

Pleas of Surviving Relatives and Community – Marin Valev Marinov Family and friends in Yambol, Bulgaria have publicly expressed grief, shock, and a strong demand for justice after learning of Marinov's death. A close childhood friend described Marin as a “kind, intelligent, and responsible man” and called on both the Bulgarian government and the UN to pursue full accountability, insisting the case not be allowed to fade away without answers. Neighbors and community members emphasized Marinov’s long-standing service and dedication, urging officials to clarify the circumstances surrounding the strike that killed him. Demands were made for the Bulgarian government to take a more proactive role in investigating the incident, with residents urging that his life and legacy not be ignored in the international response. The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) and UN leadership expressed sorrow and pledged to seek full accountability for the attack. UNOPS Executive Director Jorge Moreira da Silva attended Marinov’s funeral in Bulgaria, delivering condolences on behalf of the UN.

Why we remember them

This record exists so that Marin Valev Marinov, and all who are named in this archive, are never reduced to a number.

References & sources