Commissioner Philippe Lazzarini raised the objection in a statement posted on social media platform X, formerly Twitter.
He pointed out that even 15 months after the war in Gaza began, “the fear has not abated under the world’s watch.”
258 UNRWA staff killed
Citing his team’s latest information, Mr Lazzarini said 258 UNRWA staff had died during this period.
Nearly 650 incidents have been recorded against UNRWA buildings and facilities, and at least 745 people have died in shelters while seeking UN protection. More than 2,200 others were injured.
Meanwhile, more than two-thirds of UNRWA’s buildings are now damaged or destroyed, many of which served as schools before the war.
“We continue to receive reports that Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups have used our facilities. “We have also confirmed on several occasions that Israeli forces have occupied our facilities,” he said.
employee detention
Mr. Lazarini said at least 20 UNRWA staff are currently in Israeli detention centres, adding that “previously released staff have suffered systematic abuse, humiliation and torture.”
He also highlighted the situation in northern Gaza, noting that “attacks on our personnel, buildings and operations have increased significantly” since Israel stepped up its military operations there nearly three months ago.
© UNRWA
UNRWA schools in Gaza are providing accommodation for refugee families.
not subject
“We reiterate our call for an independent investigation into the systematic disregard for the protection of humanitarian workers, facilities and operations,” he said.
“This cannot be the new normal, and impunity cannot be the new normal.”
He emphasized that “the rules of war are clear.” In other words, it was emphasized that humanitarians and civilian infrastructure such as hospitals and UN buildings are not targets, hostage-taking is prohibited, and civilians must always receive support and protection.
Prime Minister Lazarini will release all detained humanitarian workers and hostages, promote humanitarian access to reach people in need wherever they are, and lift the siege on the Gaza Strip to provide desperately needed supplies, including for the winter. He concluded his statement by saying it was time to bring in humanitarian supplies. . .
