Image Credits : Anadolu Agency
According to Philippe, the Gaza conflict resulted in the largest loss of UN staff in a single conflict or natural disaster since the establishment of the international organization. Lazzarini, Director of the United Nations Office for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). Lazzarini made this sad announcement, emphasizing that the world must not accept this reality.
In a scathing post on X (formerly Twitter), Lazzarini highlighted the tragic case of UNRWA teacher Ibtihal, who was killed last week along with her four-month-old baby. Lazzarini thought he was safe where he was, underscoring the UNRWA community’s deep sense of loss and betrayal.
The war in Gaza began almost ten months ago, and since then the conflict has reached a devastating milestone. Almost 200 UNRWA team members have been killed in Gaza, Lazzarini mentioned pointing to the human cost of the conflict. He emphasized that these victims are not just statistics. “These are our colleagues and friends. They are teachers, doctors, nurses, engineers, support staff and technicians who dedicate their lives to supporting the community.”
The loss of so many UNRWA workers sent shockwaves through the international humanitarian community. The UNRWA team in Gaza is known for its vital role in providing education, health and essential services to Palestinian refugees, and their deaths are a significant blow to the region’s already fragile support system.
Lazzarini’s call for accountability resonates deeply in the United Nations and elsewhere. “I repeat the UN Secretary General’s call for full accountability for all these deaths,” he concluded. A thorough investigation of these victims is essential to ensure justice and prevent such losses in the future.
The humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip continues to worsen, with civilians and aid workers bearing the brunt of the violence. The UN and other international bodies have repeatedly called for a ceasefire and for all parties to comply with international humanitarian law, which requires non-combatants and aid workers to be protected.
As the conflict continues, the deaths of nearly 200 UNRWA staff are a reminder of the dangers facing those on the front lines of humanitarian work. The international community must respond with immediate aid and long-term strategies to protect and support those who risk their lives to help others in conflict zones. The legacy of these fallen workers underscores the critical need for peace and accountability in Gaza.