UNRWA chief demands probes into Israeli violations of humanitarian law

The head of the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees has demanded independent investigations into repeated Israeli violations of international humanitarian law in the Gaza Strip. UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini's call follows Sunday's Israeli military strike on a UN-operated school serving as a shelter in central Gaza's Nuseirat refugee camp.

Recent Attack and Ceasefire Concerns

Lazzarini emphasized that the "fragile ceasefire in Gaza must be upheld" while confirming four fatalities and multiple injuries from the school shelter attack. The incident represents one of numerous violations documented since the US-sponsored ceasefire theoretically took effect on October 10, with Gaza authorities reporting 80 Israeli breaches resulting in 97 Palestinian deaths and 230 injuries.

Systematic Pattern of UN Facility Attacks

The UNRWA chief revealed that more than 800 people have been killed and nearly 2,600 injured in incidents affecting 300 UNRWA facilities since the conflict's escalation. Lazzarini characterized these repeated attacks on clearly marked United Nations premises as "grave violations of international law" requiring thorough independent investigation and accountability mechanisms.

Broader Conflict Context

The demand for investigations comes amid continuing violence despite ceasefire arrangements, with the Gaza Health Ministry reporting over 68,000 fatalities and 170,000 injuries since October 2023. Lazzarini concluded that "the guns must fall silent, and accountability must come" to address systematic humanitarian law violations in the conflict-ravaged territory.