UNRWA Chief Calls for UN Investigation into Killing of 390+ Agency Staff in Gaza War

UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini on March 30 announced that discussions are underway to establish a formal UN investigation into the killing of more than 390 UNRWA employees during the Gaza war — the deadliest conflict in the history of the United Nations. Lazzarini said the unprecedented death toll, which exceeds any previous UN staff casualty count in any conflict, demands accountability. The 391 confirmed UNRWA staff killed represent a significant portion of the agency's operational personnel in Gaza. Many were killed in strikes that hit UNRWA-marked schools and shelters designated as humanitarian sites. Israel has accused some UNRWA employees of links to Hamas, a claim the agency has said applies to only a small number of individuals. The proposed investigation would be independent, examining whether international humanitarian law was violated in attacks on UNRWA facilities and personnel.