GENEVA: The head of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian refugees has demanded an independent investigation into the deaths of almost 400 UNRWA workers during the war in Gaza.
Moreover, Philippe Lazzarini made the call on Tuesday during his final press conference as UNRWA commissioner-general. The 62-year-old Swiss national said a high-level panel of experts must look into the killings of UNRWA staff and other United Nations employees.
“More than 390” UNRWA workers have been killed since Israel launched its war on Gaza in October 2023, Lazzarini told reporters in Geneva. He added that many others suffered serious, life-changing injuries, while some faced arbitrary detention and torture.
Lazzarini Demands Investigation into Staff Deaths and Agency Destruction
Lazzarini stressed that the probe should not stop at UNRWA employees. “There have been other UN colleagues who have also been killed,” he said. He also called for the investigation to examine the massive destruction of UNRWA buildings and other UN premises across Gaza.
Final Warning as He Leaves Office
Speaking on his last day in the job, Lazzarini painted a grim picture of the agency’s future. He has repeatedly warned that without proper protection. UNRWA may not survive to continue its vital work for millions of Palestinian refugees.
His strong call for an independent inquiry comes as the conflict in Gaza enters its third year, with the death toll among humanitarian workers reaching unprecedented levels.
Many observers see Lazzarini’s remarks as a parting message urging the international community to take stronger action to protect UN staff and civilian infrastructure in war zones.
The UN has not yet announced any decision on forming such a panel, but Lazzarini’s appeal has already drawn attention to the heavy price paid by humanitarian workers in Gaza.
