The Israeli genocidal aggression in Gaza, now dragging into its fifteenth month, continues to cast a long shadow of despair and devastation, as the world looks on.

Philippe Lazzarini, the Commissioner-General of UNRWA, shared a harrowing account of the ongoing crisis through his official X account, shedding light on the human and institutional toll of the conflict.

Since the Israeli aggression began, UNRWA has faced unprecedented challenges. Two hundred and fifty-eight of its staff members have lost their lives, and nearly 650 attacks have been recorded against its buildings and facilities. These were places of refuge, meant to shield the innocent, yet they became battlegrounds. At least 745 individuals were killed, and over 2,200 were injured while seeking sanctuary in UNRWA shelters, highlighting the grave risks faced even within spaces meant for protection.

The scale of destruction is staggering. More than two-thirds of UNRWA buildings lie damaged or in ruins, many of them once vibrant schools filled with the laughter of children.

Adding to this grim reality, twenty UNRWA staff members are currently detained in Israeli detention centers. Those who have been released recount harrowing experiences of mistreatment, humiliation, and even torture. In northern Gaza, where Israeli military operations have intensified over the past three months, attacks on humanitarian workers and operations have surged dramatically, crippling efforts to deliver aid to those most in need.

Lazzarini’s words carry a poignant plea for accountability. He calls for independent investigations into the apparent disregard for the safety and neutrality of humanitarian workers, premises, and operations. He emphasizes that such violations cannot become normalized, and impunity must not prevail.

The principles of war, he asserts, are unambiguous. Humanitarian workers and civilian infrastructure, including hospitals and United Nations facilities, are not legitimate targets.

As the conflict rages on, Lazzarini makes an urgent appeal. He calls for the immediate release of detained humanitarian workers and hostages. He stresses the need to facilitate unimpeded humanitarian access to all those in need, regardless of their location. Most critically, he urges the lifting of the siege on Gaza to allow essential supplies to reach the beleaguered population, particularly as the harsh winter months loom.

This unfolding tragedy in Gaza serves as a stark reminder of the enduring cost of the aggression on human lives, dignity, and hope. It is a call to action for the global community to uphold the principles of humanity and justice amidst the unrelenting chaos. (ILKHA)