Philippe Lazzarini, the Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), has recently been in the news due to allegations of UNRWA staff involvement in attacks by Hamas on Israel. These accusations have led to major donors, including the US and the European Union, suspending funding to the agency, jeopardizing its operations and prompting an independent review.
Born in 1964, Philippe Lazzarini is a dual national of Switzerland and Italy. He assumed the role of Commissioner-General of UNRWA in 2020, following a distinguished career in humanitarian affairs. Prior to his current position, Lazzarini served in various roles, including as Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process and the Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon. His leadership at UNRWA comes at a challenging time, as the agency faces scrutiny and funding suspensions amidst escalating tensions in the region.
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The bodies of 15 aid workers, including eight Red Crescent medics, were discovered in Gaza, prompting calls for justice from UN officials. The Israeli military stated they were killed during an active combat situation, while humanitarian organizations condemned the incident as a violation of human dignity.
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The UN has appointed Ian Martin to review the operations of UNRWA, the agency aiding Palestinian refugees, amid ongoing Israeli restrictions and humanitarian crises. Israel has banned UNRWA from its territory, yet the agency continues to provide essential services in Gaza, where aid has been severely restricted since March 2, 2025.
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Germany, France, and Britain have urged Israel to lift its blockade on humanitarian aid to Gaza, warning of severe risks to civilians. The UN reports a dire situation for the 2.4 million residents, with aid groups stating that famine is likely unfolding. The humanitarian system is on the brink of collapse after 18 months of conflict.
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As of May 4, 2025, Gaza is experiencing a severe humanitarian crisis with over 3,500 children at risk of starvation due to a total blockade imposed by Israel since March 2. The World Food Programme reports that food supplies have run out, leaving over 400,000 people reliant on aid at risk of starvation. Prices for basic goods have skyrocketed, and hospitals are overwhelmed.
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The UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, has reported that over 50 of its staff members have been abused and used as human shields by Israeli forces during military detention since the war began in October 2023. The allegations come amid ongoing humanitarian crises in Gaza and escalating tensions between Israel and UNRWA.
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As Israel's blockade continues, Gaza faces a dire food crisis, with hospitals unable to provide adequate nutrition for patients. Families struggle to feed their loved ones, leading to rising malnutrition rates among children and pregnant women. Aid groups warn of famine-like conditions as supplies dwindle.
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On June 1, 2025, violence erupted at an aid distribution site in Rafah, Gaza, resulting in at least 21 deaths and 175 injuries. Eyewitnesses reported Israeli forces opened fire on crowds approaching the site, while the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation claimed aid was distributed 'without incident.' The situation remains contentious amid ongoing humanitarian crises.