UNRWA Chief: Gaza Faces Unrelenting Tragedy Amid Escalating Conflict
Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has emphasized that since the war began in October 2023, nowhere in Gaza has been safe. He warned that each day without a ceasefire only deepens the crisis.
“As the new year begins, we’ve received reports of yet another attack on Al Mawasi, claiming dozens of lives and leaving many injured,” Lazzarini stated. He described this as “yet another stark reminder that there is no such thing as a humanitarian zone or a ‘safe zone’ in Gaza.”
The Commissioner-General reiterated that a ceasefire is imperative to prevent further loss of life and suffering.
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Media Suppression in the Midst of Conflict
UNRWA has also raised concerns over restrictions on international media in Gaza, where Israeli authorities continue to block journalists from freely reporting on the ongoing situation. “Access for international journalists to report freely from Gaza must be granted,” the agency said in a statement.
This comes as the Palestinian Authority (PA) temporarily suspended operations of the Al Jazeera news network in the West Bank, accusing the channel of spreading “incitement” and “deceptive material.” The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) condemned the move, citing growing suppression of free expression in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. OHCHR called on the PA to reverse its decision and fulfill its obligations under international law.
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Healthcare Under Assault
UN-appointed human rights experts have condemned what they call a “blatant disregard for the right to health in Gaza,” following a raid on Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza. The hospital director, Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, was reportedly arrested after refusing evacuation orders in order to remain with his patients and colleagues.
Special Rapporteurs Dr. Tlaleng Mofokeng and Francesca Albanese criticized Israel’s repeated attacks on healthcare institutions, noting that these acts illustrate a pattern of undermining Palestinians’ access to medical care. “For over a year, Israel’s actions have demonstrated an alarming disregard for health rights in Gaza and the wider occupied Palestinian territories,” the experts stated.
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Destruction of Healthcare Infrastructure
The experts expressed alarm at reports of the destruction of 22 hospitals in Gaza, including Kamal Adwan, which was the last remaining functional facility in North Gaza. They also highlighted the ongoing harassment and detention of healthcare workers, particularly Dr. Abu Safiya, whose son was reportedly killed in front of him. Despite being injured during Israel’s bombardment, Dr. Abu Safiya continued treating patients until his detention.
Allegations have also surfaced of extrajudicial killings near the hospital, including reports of a Palestinian man killed while holding a white flag. More than 1,057 Palestinian medical professionals have lost their lives since the conflict began, with many others facing arbitrary arrests.
“Palestinian healthcare workers in Gaza are demonstrating heroic dedication to their medical oath, even as they face relentless violence. These actions speak volumes about their courage, but they also highlight the depravity of a humanity allowing such atrocities to persist,” the Special Rapporteurs said.
The experts stressed that medical personnel are entitled to special protections under international humanitarian law and cannot be targeted or detained for performing their professional duties.
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Calls for Immediate Action
The human rights experts urged Israel, as the occupying power, to respect international law by safeguarding the right to life and health in Gaza and across the Occupied Palestinian Territories. They demanded the immediate release of Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya and all other arbitrarily detained healthcare workers, hoping the new year marks a turning point for justice and peace.
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About UN Special Rapporteurs
Special Rapporteurs are independent experts appointed by the UN Human Rights Council to monitor and report on specific human rights issues. They operate in their individual capacities, are not UN staff, and do not receive salaries for their work.
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This unfolding humanitarian crisis underscores the urgent need for ceasefires, international media access, and respect for healthcare workers and facilities in conflict zones.
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