Unrwa chief condemns global inaction as Israeli 'horrors' persist in Gaza

Philippe Lazzarini, the head of Unrwa, has sharply criticised the international community’s failure to intervene as “horrors continue unabated” in Gaza, 15 months into Israel’s ongoing military assault.

Since the start of Israel’s war on Gaza on 7 October 2023, 258 staff members from the UN agency for Palestinian refugees have lost their lives, and at least 650 attacks on Unrwa facilities have been recorded. Additionally, 20 Unrwa workers have been abducted by Israel.

Lazzarini condemned the ongoing violence, stating, “This cannot become the new standard, and impunity cannot become the new norm.” His remarks highlight the growing frustration over the global community’s lack of action in halting Israel’s aggression which has been widely described by human rights organisation as genocidal.