BETHLEHEM (Ma'an) -- Syrian shelling killed a staff member of the UN agency for Palestine refugees on Thursday in Khan Eshieh refugee camp, UNRWA confirmed Saturday.

Nasri Hassan is the sixth UNRWA employee to be killed in the conflict, the agency said.

"At this difficult time of bereavement, the thoughts of UNRWA staff are with Aysheh Al Nader, her children and their extended family," the refugee agency said.

According to UNRWA, Hasan's home came under fire during a period of intense clashes. While fleeing to a makeshift shelter shrapnel from a nearby explosion wounded him.

Hassan died of his wounds on March 14, the agency said.

"It is deeply distressing that Mr. Hasan’s passing is one more tragic example of how the unrestrained conduct of the armed conflict in Syria continues to cause avoidable civilian deaths," UNRWA said.

"While the majority of casualties are Syrian, it is alarming to note that Palestine refugees are also being killed in increasing numbers," the agency said.

"UNRWA deplores the immeasurable, needless human suffering that continues to affect communities across Syria. This is as a direct result of the continued attempts by all parties to resolve the conflict militarily."

The statement called on all sides to protect civilians.

All parties including armed opposition groups must "desist from taking up positions or conducting the conflict in Palestine refugee camps and other residential areas," it said.