UNRWA Chief Urges Independent Probe Into Gaza Attacks on Humanitarians
Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has renewed his call for an independent investigation into attacks on humanitarian staff and operations in Gaza. His appeal, shared in a statement on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), shines a spotlight on the devastating consequences of the ongoing conflict and the urgent need for accountability.
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Conflict in Gaza: A Grim Reality
Fifteen months into the war in Gaza, the humanitarian crisis continues with no end in sight. Lazzarini emphasized that the “horrors continue unabated under the world’s watch,” underscoring the dire conditions faced by civilians and aid workers in the region.
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Tragic Losses for UNRWA
The Commissioner-General revealed alarming figures detailing the toll of the conflict on UNRWA staff and facilities:
– Staff Casualties: A total of 258 UNRWA staff members have been killed since the war began.
– Incidents at Facilities: Nearly 650 attacks on UNRWA buildings and operations have been reported, with 745 civilians killed while seeking shelter in the agency’s facilities and over 2,200 others injured.
– Infrastructure Damage: More than two-thirds of UNRWA buildings, many of which served as schools, have been damaged or destroyed.
Lazzarini also acknowledged reports that both Hamas and Israeli forces have occupied or used UNRWA facilities during the conflict, further endangering their operations and compromising humanitarian neutrality.
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Detainment of UNRWA Staff
Adding to the dire situation, at least 20 UNRWA staff members are currently detained in Israeli facilities, with those released describing experiences of systematic mistreatment, humiliation, and torture. Lazzarini highlighted the escalating attacks on UNRWA personnel and buildings in northern Gaza, which have intensified as Israel has ramped up military operations in the region.
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A Call for Accountability
Lazzarini stressed the urgent need for independent investigations into the “systematic disregard” for the safety of humanitarian workers and operations.
“This cannot become the new standard and impunity cannot become the new norm,” he declared.
Key principles of international law: He reiterated that humanitarians, civilian infrastructure, hospitals, and UN facilities are protected under the rules of war, emphasizing that hostage-taking is prohibited and civilians must be safeguarded at all times.
The Commissioner-General concluded by urging the release of all detained humanitarian workers and hostages, as well as the lifting of the blockade on Gaza to allow critical aid supplies to reach those in need, especially during the harsh winter season.
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Rainfall Worsens Conditions for Displaced Families
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that recent heavy rainfall has exacerbated the challenges faced by displaced families in Gaza, particularly in Khan Younis. Flooding and damage to makeshift shelters have worsened the already dire situation.
Water and Sanitation Crisis: Only seven operational desludging trucks are available across the Gaza Strip, far short of the 27 needed to address growing sanitation concerns.
Non-Functioning Hospitals: Many healthcare facilities remain non-operational due to a lack of water, electricity, hygiene supplies, and medical staff. Kamal Adwan Hospital in North Gaza, for instance, is completely non-functional, with similar issues plaguing other healthcare centers, including the Indonesian Hospital.
OCHA continues to push for increased humanitarian access and resources to address these urgent needs.
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Challenges to Aid Delivery
Delivering critical aid to Gaza remains a significant challenge due to ongoing violence, insecurity, and public disorder. Concerns include:
– Fuel Shortages: Less than 25,000 liters of fuel remain in Gaza, insufficient to meet a single day’s requirements for essential services.
– Looting Risks: The UN is negotiating with Israeli authorities to ensure fuel deliveries prioritize humanitarian purposes and avoid theft by organized looters.
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Essential Food Supplies
Despite the challenges, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) has managed to keep four bakeries in Gaza operational, supplying bread to the population. Recent fuel deliveries have ensured the bakeries can continue producing bread for the next six days.
Emergency Flour Distribution: Over 6,000 metric tons of flour have been distributed in southern Gaza, aiding roughly 1.2 million people and providing relief to 70% of the affected population.
Predictable access to basic commodities like flour remains critical for stabilizing food prices and ensuring survival.
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Escalating Violence in the West Bank
OCHA also reported alarming trends in the West Bank, where 2024 has seen a record number of settler-related incidents, including arson, raids on
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