Last week, Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini of UNRWA condemned an arson attempt by Israeli children and young people on the organization’s headquarters. He expressed concern over the repeated attacks on the UNRWA headquarters by Israeli residents, which caused extensive damage to the outdoor areas of the compound. Lazzarini noted that during the incident, a crowd accompanied by armed men chanted threats to burn down the United Nations. He also mentioned that Israeli authorities took a while to respond to the situation, adding to the urgency of the issue.
In response to the escalating violence, displaced families returned to seek shelter in UNRWA schools in Khan Younis, only to find torched classrooms, rubble, and blown-out walls. This act of destruction further highlights the dangers faced by UNRWA staff and facilities in the region. Lazzarini emphasized that over the past two months, Israeli extremists have been staging protests outside the UNRWA compound in East Jerusalem, leading to violent confrontations with UN staff and threats of gun violence. He called on the State of Israel, as an occupying power, to ensure the protection of United Nations personnel and facilities at all times.
The situation escalated when an Indian staff member was killed in Rafah, southern Gaza, during ongoing Israeli military strikes. The UN has launched an investigation into the incident to determine the circumstances surrounding the killing. Farhan Haq, the Organization’s deputy spokesperson, stated that discussions were ongoing with Israeli authorities to ascertain the nature of the attack and the source of the deadly shots. The incident highlights the risks faced by UN staff in conflict zones and underscores the need for accountability and protection for humanitarian workers.
Lazzarini reiterated the importance of holding the perpetrators of these attacks accountable and ensuring that such incidents do not set a new dangerous standard. He emphasized that the State of Israel has a responsibility to protect UN personnel and facilities in the region as an occupying power. The escalating violence and threats against UNRWA staff and facilities underscore the challenging environment in which humanitarian organizations operate in conflict zones. The UNRWA chief called for an end to the violence and harassment faced by staff and for a renewed commitment to ensuring the safety and security of humanitarian workers in the region.
The ongoing attacks on UNRWA facilities and staff highlight the need for immediate action to address the escalating violence and threats in the region. Lazzarini’s call for accountability and protection for UN personnel is a critical step towards ensuring the safety and security of humanitarian workers in conflict zones. The UN’s investigation into the killing of an Indian staff member underscores the urgency of addressing the risks faced by humanitarian workers in volatile environments. It is essential for all parties involved to prioritize the safety and protection of UN personnel and facilities to prevent further violence and ensure the effective delivery of humanitarian aid in the region.
