UNRWA chief renews call for investigation into humanitarian attacks in Gaza

Commissioner General Philippe Lazzarini made the call at a statement posted on social media platform X, formerly Twitter.

He noted that 15 months after the war began in Gaza, “the horror continues unabated as the world watches.”

258 UNRWA staff died

Citing the latest information from his team, Mr. Lazzarini said 258 UNRWA employees were killed during this time.

Nearly 650 incidents targeting UNRWA buildings and facilities have been recorded, and at least 745 people died in the organization’s shelters while seeking UN protection. More than 2,200 others were injured.

Meanwhile, more than two-thirds of UNRWA’s buildings have now been damaged or destroyed, most of which were used as schools before the war.

“We continue to receive reports that Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups have used our facilities. In some cases, we were also able to verify the occupation of our facilities by the Israeli Armed Forces,” he said.

detained staff

Mr. Lazzarini added that at least 20 UNRWA staff are currently detained in Israeli detention centers and “those previously released have described systematic mistreatment, humiliation and torture.” .

He also highlighted the situation in northern Gaza, noting that “attacks against our personnel, buildings and operations have increased significantly” since Israel stepped up its military operations there. That was almost three months ago.

Not the goal

“I reiterate my call for an independent investigation into the systematic disregard for the protection of humanitarian personnel, facilities and operations,” he said.

“This cannot become the new standard and exoneration cannot become the new standard.”

He emphasized that “the rules of war are clear,” namely that humanitarian and civilian infrastructure – including hospitals and United Nations buildings – are not targets, Hostage taking is prohibited and civilians must be assisted and protected at all times.

Mr. Lazzarini concluded the statement by saying that it is time to release all detained humanitarian workers and all hostages, facilitating humanitarian access to reach those in need wherever they are. anywhere and lift the siege on Gaza to bring in much-needed humanitarian supplies, including for the winter.

Floods and rains increase the difficult circumstances of displaced families

Meanwhile, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported Monday’s heavy rains worsened the situation for displaced families along the Gaza coast, especially in Khan Younis, with dozens of tents said to be flooded or damaged.

Partners working in the water and sanitation sector emphasized that to support the Water Supply Authority of Coastal Municipalities, there is an urgent need for 27 desludging trucks. There are currently only seven trucks present across the Gaza Strip.

Kamal Adwan Hospital in North Gaza is not operational while Al Awda Hospital is only partially operational, OCHA said.

Furthermore, despite UN supplies being limited this past Sunday, the Indonesian Hospital remained inoperative, lacking water, electricity, hygiene supplies and adequate medical staff, along with other medical equipment. Essential equipment is destroyed.

Challenges of aid participation

OCHA said the process of transporting important goods to Gaza remains challenging due to insecurity, active fighting and breakdown of public order and safety.

Of particular concern is that the amount of fuel needed is insufficient for essential services, while aid partners report having reserves of less than 25,000 liters, less than a day’s needs in Gaza.

The UN agency is working with Israeli authorities to prioritize fuel imports through available routes and avoid losing fuel to organized looters.

Bakery and emergency flour distribution

Humanitarian partners also reported that four bakeries in Gaza were supported by the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) continues to operate at full capacity.

The bakeries received fuel earlier this week, which will allow them to continue operating for six days.

Emergency flour distribution also continues in southern Gaza. As of last Friday, more than 6,000 tons of flour had been distributed, reaching about 1.2 million people, representing 70% of the region’s population.

“Predictable distribution of basic commodities like flour is essential for human survival and will push prices down,” OCHA said.

Violence in the West Bank

Turning to the West Bank, OCHA noted that 2024 saw the highest number of settler-related incidents, including in East Jerusalem, since the office began keeping records nearly two decades ago. before.

Some 1,400 such incidents – including physical attacks, arson attacks, raids on Palestinian communities and the destruction of fruit trees – have resulted in Palestinian casualties, property damage or both. , which equates to nearly four incidents per day.

“Of the 4,700 internally displaced people across the West Bank over the past year, about 560, or 12%, cited settler violence and access restrictions as reasons,” the agency said. which causes them to leave their homes or communities.”

This year also marks the second highest number of Palestinian deaths in the West Bank since OCHA records began, after 2023, which was the highest.

More than 480 Palestinians, including 91 children, were killed across the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, mainly by Israeli forces.