UNRWA chief highlights deaths of 390 staff in Gaza in final appeal before stepping down
Outgoing UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini says more than 390 staff have been killed in Gaza, calling it an unprecedented loss and urging global recognition and protection for humanitarian workers.
- More than 390 UNRWA staff have been killed in Gaza, described as unprecedented in UN history
- Philippe Lazzarini urges international recognition and protection for humanitarian workers
- Agency operations continue under severe conditions amid ongoing conflict
The outgoing head of United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East has placed the deaths of hundreds of agency personnel in Gaza at the centre of his final message, calling attention to the scale of losses among humanitarian workers during the ongoing conflict.
In a farewell address to staff, Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini stated that more than 390 UNRWA employees had been killed in Gaza, describing the figure as unprecedented in the history of the United Nations.
He emphasised that the deaths represent a significant proportion of the agency’s workforce in the territory and reflect the extreme conditions under which staff have been operating.
Demand for recognition of staff losses
Lazzarini drew particular focus to what he described as the “unacceptable price” paid by UNRWA personnel in Gaza, urging the international community to acknowledge the scale of the losses.
He stressed that the deaths of 390 staff members should not be overlooked, noting that humanitarian workers are protected under international law and are expected to operate in safety while delivering assistance.
The Commissioner-General highlighted that, in addition to those killed, many staff members have been injured, detained or subjected to ill-treatment, further underscoring the risks faced by UN personnel on the ground.
Gaza operations under fire
According to Lazzarini, UNRWA staff in Gaza have continued to carry out their duties despite sustained hostilities, including bombardment, mass displacement and shortages of essential supplies.
He noted that many of those killed were engaged in frontline humanitarian work, including the delivery of food aid, medical services and shelter support to displaced populations.
The agency has maintained operations in Gaza throughout the conflict, with staff working in shelters, clinics and distribution centres under what he described as conditions of “relentless” pressure.
Appeal to the international community
In his message, Lazzarini reiterated his calls to United Nations member states to take action, including defending UNRWA’s mandate and ensuring the protection of humanitarian workers.
He said that the deaths of UNRWA personnel should serve as a warning about the broader risks faced by civilians and aid providers in Gaza.
The appeal formed part of his final communication to the United Nations General Assembly, in which he again raised concerns over the humanitarian situation and the operational constraints facing the agency.
Lazzarini, who began his tenure in April 2020, confirmed that he would step down as Commissioner-General, with Christian Saunders taking over on an interim basis.
He concluded by reiterating his intention to continue advocating for Palestinian refugees, while maintaining focus on the need for international recognition of the losses suffered by UNRWA staff in Gaza.
