The Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), Philippe Lazzarini, has sharply condemned what he described as a “fierce and well-funded” media disinformation campaign orchestrated by the Israeli occupation against the agency.

In a statement posted on the social media platform X, Lazzarini revealed that during a high-level ministerial meeting on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, he highlighted the systematic efforts to delegitimize UNRWA. “UNRWA has been subjected to a fierce and well-funded media disinformation campaign led by the occupation,” he said, emphasizing that such campaigns have devastating consequences for humanitarian operations and must be brought to an immediate end.

Lazzarini stressed the urgent need to lift restrictions on international media, which have been banned from independently covering events in Gaza, calling for transparency and accountability in reporting the humanitarian crisis.

Since October 7, 2023, Gaza has endured relentless aggression by Israel, backed politically and militarily by the United States and European powers. Preliminary figures indicate that more than 65,000 Palestinians have been martyred and over 167,000 injured, with rescue and relief efforts hindered by widespread destruction and restricted access to victims trapped under rubble.

The UNRWA chief’s remarks come amid growing international concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza, where civilians continue to suffer from bombing, siege, and displacement. Lazzarini’s warning underscores the critical role of independent media in documenting the ongoing genocide and holding occupying powers accountable. (ILKHA)