Philippe Lazzarini

Philippe Lazzarini is the Commissioner-General of UNRWA, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees. He is newsworthy due to the escalating crisis facing UNRWA, particularly since October 2023. Recent events include the destruction of UNRWA's headquarters in East Jerusalem by Israeli forces, raids on UNRWA facilities, the killing of over 380 UNRWA staff members in Gaza, and significant funding cuts from countries like the US following accusations of UNRWA staff involvement in the October 7th Hamas attacks. Israel has also enacted legislation banning UNRWA operations on Israeli territory. Lazzarini is leaving his post after six years, calling for an investigation into the deaths of UNRWA employees. The agency faces forced austerity, including staff layoffs and salary cuts, while struggling to provide aid amid restricted access to Gaza. Lazzarini's tenure ends during a period of intense scrutiny and operational challenges for UNRWA, impacting its ability to support Palestinian refugees.