Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) recently made a heartfelt appeal for urgent action to address the ongoing crisis in Gaza. In a statement posted on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, Mr. Lazzarini highlighted the devastating impact of the 15-month-long war in Gaza, stating that “horrors continue unabated under the world’s watch.”
The Commissioner-General shared alarming statistics from his teams on the ground, revealing that 258 UNRWA staff members have lost their lives during the conflict. Additionally, nearly 650 incidents of violence against UNRWA buildings and facilities have been recorded, resulting in at least 745 deaths of individuals seeking protection in UNRWA shelters. Over 2,200 others have been injured in the ongoing violence.
Furthermore, Mr. Lazzarini expressed concern over the extensive damage inflicted on UNRWA buildings, with over two-thirds now either destroyed or severely damaged. Many of these structures served as schools before the war, highlighting the devastating impact on education and the future of Palestinian children in Gaza.
The Commissioner-General also raised the issue of the misuse of UNRWA facilities by various armed groups, including Hamas, as well as the occupation of these sites by the Israeli Armed Forces. He emphasized the need for independent investigations into the violations of humanitarian principles and the protection of humanitarian workers and infrastructure.
Mr. Lazzarini revealed that at least 20 UNRWA staff members are currently detained in Israeli detention centers, with reports of systematic mistreatment, humiliation, and torture. He called for the immediate release of all detained humanitarian workers and hostages, emphasizing the need for unimpeded humanitarian access to reach those in need and for the lifting of the siege on Gaza to allow for the delivery of essential supplies, especially with winter approaching.
In his statement, the Commissioner-General reiterated that humanitarians and civilian infrastructure, including hospitals and UN buildings, are not legitimate targets in conflicts. He stressed that the rules of war are clear in prohibiting hostage-taking and mandating the protection and assistance of civilians at all times. Mr. Lazzarini urged all parties to respect these principles and uphold international humanitarian law.
As the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, the impact of heavy rainfall on displaced families along the shoreline, particularly in Khan Younis, has exacerbated their plight. Dozens of tents have been flooded or damaged, further exacerbating the already dire living conditions for these vulnerable populations. Partners working in water and sanitation have highlighted the urgent need for 27 desludging trucks to support the Coastal Municipalities Water Utilities, as only seven trucks are currently available across the Gaza Strip.
Additionally, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that Kamal Adwan Hospital in North Gaza is non-functioning, while Al Awda Hospital is only partially operational, further straining an already overwhelmed healthcare system in the region.
In conclusion, Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini’s impassioned appeal serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for immediate action to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. As the conflict continues to take a devastating toll on civilians and humanitarian workers, the international community must come together to ensure the protection and assistance of those most vulnerable in the region. Only through concerted efforts and a commitment to upholding international humanitarian law can we hope to bring relief and support to the people of Gaza in their time of need.
