Geneva: The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) called for an investigation into the killing of its staff during the Israeli war on Gaza.

According to Qatar News Agency, during a press conference in Geneva on Tuesday, UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini stated that discussions are underway to initiate a UN investigation into the deaths of more than 390 UNRWA staff members during the ongoing conflict in Gaza. He emphasized the necessity of establishing a high-level panel of experts to investigate these deaths.

Lazzarini mentioned that the issue has been brought to the attention of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and representatives of UN member states in New York. He noted that one of the reasons for the delay in starting the investigation is the ongoing nature of the conflict, with Israeli airstrikes continuing in Gaza despite a declared ceasefire.

The UNRWA Commissioner-General highlighted that the delay in the second phase of the US plan to end the war in Gaza is exacerbating the challenges faced by Palestinians. He pointed out that many are still living in dire conditions amid the rubble and are spending long hours each day trying to access clean water.

Earlier this month, Lazzarini cautioned that UNRWA's operational capacity is under threat, and any failure to sustain its operations could lead to Israeli authorities assuming its humanitarian responsibilities.