Philippe Lazzarini stated, during his final days as head of the agency in Geneva, that a specialized commission of experts was needed to examine the deaths of UN colleagues. This report, carried by the French press agency AFP, highlighted a critical situation. He revealed that over 390 UN personnel had tragically lost their lives in Gaza since October 2023, amidst the ongoing conflict.
Many had sustained debilitating injuries, leading to permanent disabilities, while others faced arbitrary detentions and horrific torture. Lazzarini stressed the necessity of investigating not only these deaths but also the fates of other UN staff members impacted by the war in Gaza. Furthermore, he demanded an inquiry into the widespread damage inflicted upon UNRWA and other UN facilities within the region.
The agency head voiced serious concerns regarding attacks directed at UNRWA by Israel, alongside the diminishing and curtailed budgetary support. He also noted the deliberate destruction of UN premises in Gaza, painting a picture of a severely compromised humanitarian operation. The situation in gaza remains deeply troubling.
Topics: #gaza #agency #unrwa
UNRWA is calling for a thorough investigation into the deaths of nearly 400 of its staff in Gaza.
UNRWA is calling for an investigation into the deaths of nearly 400 of its staff in Gaza.