UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini in the news as funding, legitimacy and Gaza crises threaten agency’s future. Swiss humanitarian, since 2020 Commissioner‑General.
UNRWA warns it may soon become non-viable due to funding shortages and Israeli actions, including raids and accusations of collusion with Hamas. The agency provides aid to millions of Palestinian refugees, but faces accusations of perpetuating conflict and terrorism, with the US freezing funding in 2024.
UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini announced the formation of a high-level panel to investigate the killing of over 390 staff members since October 2023 during the Gaza conflict. The investigation aims to address accountability amid ongoing Israeli airstrikes and funding cuts, with concerns about the agency's future and staff safety.
Israel has authorised a plan to build a major military and government complex on the former UNRWA Jerusalem headquarters site in Sheikh Jarrah, consolidating a military and administrative hub in occupied East Jerusalem. The project, linked to demolitions earlier this year, includes a defense ministry presence and army museum.