Over 700 Gaza civilians killed in shelters, says UNRWA Commissioner-General

Fifteen months into the war on Gaza, the humanitarian toll continues to escalate, according to Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).

Since the “Israeli” aggression on Gaza began, 258 UNRWA staff members have been killed, making it one of the deadliest conflicts for humanitarian workers – according to a detailed update on Lazzarini’s X account.

Nearly 650 attacks have targeted UNRWA buildings and facilities, leaving two-thirds of them damaged or destroyed. Many of these structures, including schools, were essential for Gaza's children before the war.

Tragically, at least 745 civilians were killed and over 2,200 injured while seeking shelter in UNRWA facilities meant to provide protection under international law.

Twenty UNRWA staff members remain in “Israeli” detention centers, with released detainees reporting instances of mistreatment, humiliation, and torture.

In northern Gaza, the intensification of “Israeli” military operations over the past three months has led to a marked increase in attacks on UNRWA personnel, buildings, and operations.

Lazzarini called for independent investigations into what he described as a systematic disregard for the protection of humanitarian workers and facilities.