UNRWA Commissioner: Discussions Underway for UN Investigation into the Death of More Than 390 Employees in Gaza

SadaNews - Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA), confirmed today (Tuesday) that discussions are currently underway for a UN investigation into the deaths of more than 390 of its staff during the two-year Gaza war, which has made it the deadliest conflict in the agency's history, according to a report by Reuters.

Lazzarini stated at a press conference held in Geneva on the last day of his tenure: "I think we need to form a committee, a high-level expert committee, to investigate the deaths of our staff."

He added that the topic has been raised with the office of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and with member states in New York.

He explained: "Part of the reason why this has not been activated yet is that the conflict is still ongoing," referring to the continued Israeli airstrikes on the enclave despite the ceasefire that came into effect in October, ending the war between Israel and Hamas.

The Israeli diplomatic mission in Geneva did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

According to health officials in Gaza, more than 72,000 Palestinians have been killed since the onset of the war in October 2023. The war was sparked by an attack led by Hamas on Israel, which resulted in about 1,200 deaths and the capture of 251 individuals, according to authorities.

Lazzarini stated that the delay in implementing the second phase of the U.S. plan to end the Gaza war, which focuses on disarming Hamas and forming an international security force, exacerbates the suffering of Palestinians.

He added: "People are still living among the rubble in Gaza, and they are still lining up for hours every day to obtain clean water."

He continued: "The situation remains extremely bleak, and the longer the next phase is delayed, the more despair intensifies among the residents of Gaza."

He also expressed concerns that the so-called "yellow line" temporary barrier separating areas controlled by Israel from those controlled by Hamas may continue.

Lazzarini, who will be temporarily succeeded by British Christian Saunders, had previously warned earlier this month that the agency's ability to survive is at stake, and that any collapse would mean Israel taking over the humanitarian tasks of the agency.