Philippe Lazzarini, the Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), confirmed that over 200 UNRWA staff members have been killed in Gaza since October 7. Additionally, 290 facilities and institutions have been targeted by Israeli airstrikes. He emphasized the need to respect UN resolutions regarding UNRWA workers and to establish a roadmap enabling the agency to fulfill its mandate in the region.
During a press conference held today in Geneva, Lazzarini highlighted the increasingly catastrophic situation in Gaza due to ongoing Israeli aggression and the challenges in delivering humanitarian aid. He pointed out that Palestinians are facing a severe crisis due to the bombing of infrastructure and the resulting destruction.
The UNRWA Commissioner General warned that Gaza is on the brink of a public system collapse, with aid truck drivers being threatened, complicating the delivery of humanitarian assistance. Additionally, trucks are being looted en route to designated centers.
Lazzarini revealed that around 21,000 children in Gaza have been killed or gone missing since the start of the conflict. He noted that at least 10 children lose a limb every day, underscoring the dire situation faced by children in the region.
He also expressed concern over the worsening conditions in the West Bank, noting that more than 540 Palestinians have been killed there since October 7. The devastation has affected camps and villages, including Tulkarm.
The Commissioner-General stressed the crucial role of UNRWA in providing services to Palestinian refugees, which relies on voluntary contributions and funding from member states. He called for continued support for the agency, especially given the increasing needs of Palestinians in Gaza.
