UNRWA Calls for Probe After Staff Losses in Gaza Conflict

The head of the UN Palestinian refugee agency, Philippe Lazzarini, has urged a high‑level investigation into the deaths of more than 390 UNRWA workers during the two‑year Gaza war, marking it as the deadliest episode in the agency’s history.

During a press briefing on his final day in office, Lazzarini said the agency needs an expert panel to examine how these fatalities occurred. He has already raised the issue with UN Secretary‑General Antonio Guterres and various member states in New York.

Lazzarini noted that the ongoing fighting—including Israeli airstrikes after an October ceasefire—has delayed any concrete action.

Since the war began in October 2023, over 72,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to local health officials.

The conflict started after a Hamas‑led attack on Israel that killed about 1,200 people and captured 251 hostages, as reported by Israeli authorities.

Lazzarini warned that if UNRWA collapses, Israel might take over its humanitarian operations.

He will be temporarily succeeded by Christian Saunders of Britain while the agency’s future remains uncertain.