UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini under spotlight as Gaza aid agency faces funding and viability crises amid Israeli actions and West Bank tensions. Swiss humanitarian, since 2020 UNRWA Commissioner‑General.
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.