Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of the UN Palestine refugee agency UNRWA, has reiterated the urgent need for a ceasefire in Gaza in a statement on the social media platform X.

He highlighted the ongoing dangers faced by civilians, noting recent attacks in Al Mawasi where dozens were reported killed or injured. Lazzarini emphasized that "no place and no one in Gaza has been safe" since the conflict escalated in October 2023.

Lazzarini's call for a ceasefire comes as daily reports of violence continue to mount, with each day without peace bringing "more tragedy," he stated.

In a related development, UNRWA criticized the restrictions imposed by Israeli authorities on international media access to Gaza, asserting that journalists must be allowed to report freely from the region.

Separately, the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) expressed deep concern over the Palestinian Authority's (PA) decision to suspend Al Jazeera's operations in the occupied West Bank, citing the network's broadcasting of allegedly "inciting materials." OHCHR described this as part of a "troubling trend" of suppressing freedom of expression, urging the PA to reverse its decision in line with international law obligations.

Two UN Human Rights Council-appointed experts, Dr. Tlaleng Mofokeng and Francesca Albanese, have condemned what they term Israel's "blatant disregard for the right to health" in Gaza, particularly after the raid on Kamal Adwan Hospital. They highlighted the arrest of the hospital's director, Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, following the killing of his son and his own injuries sustained while providing medical care under bombardment.

The experts described the situation as part of a systematic attack on healthcare, with over 1,057 health and medical professionals killed and numerous others detained. They stressed that medical personnel are protected under international humanitarian law and called for the immediate release of Dr. Abu Safiya and all detained healthcare workers.

The experts urged Israel to respect and protect the rights to life and health in Gaza and the broader Occupied Palestinian Territory, emphasizing the need for an end to the violence and arbitrary arrests. They expressed hope that the new year would bring a change under "different auspices."

UN Special Rapporteurs are independent experts appointed by the UN Human Rights Council to monitor, report, and advise on specific human rights situations or thematic issues. They operate independently of the UN Secretariat, serving without salary and in their personal capacity. (ILKHA)