Lazzarini: Atrocities continue in front of the world after 15 months of war in Gaza

And in statement Released on Tuesday, Mr. Lazzarini confirmed that 258 UNRWA employees were killed, while nearly 650 incidents were recorded targeting the agency’s buildings and facilities. He said that at least 745 people were killed during the war in the agency’s shelters “While seeking UN protection”While more than 2,200 others were injured.

The Commissioner-General said that more than two-thirds of UNRWA buildings were damaged or destroyed, the vast majority of which were used as schools for children before the war.

He added: “We continue to receive reports of our facilities being used by Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups. In several cases, we have also been able to verify the occupation of our facilities by Israeli armed forces.”

Mr. Lazzarini said that there are at least 20 UNRWA employees in Israeli detention centers, stressing that those who were previously released were described as “They were subjected to systematic mistreatment, humiliation and torture.” He also confirmed that the agency has witnessed a significant increase in attacks on its employees, buildings and operations since the escalation of Israeli military operations about three months ago in northern Gaza.

And he said: “I reiterate my call for independent investigations into the systematic disregard for the protection of humanitarian workers, facilities and operations. This cannot become the new norm, nor can impunity become the norm.”

The Commissioner-General stressed that the laws of war are clear, adding that humanitarian personnel and civilian infrastructure, including hospitals and UN buildings, “They are not a target.” He stated that hostage-taking was prohibited, and that the civilian population must be assisted and protected at all times.