Philippe Lazzarini

Philippe Lazzarini is the Commissioner-General of UNRWA, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees. He is currently newsworthy due to the escalating crisis surrounding UNRWA, particularly since October 2023. Recent events include Israeli military actions against UNRWA facilities, such as raids on and demolition of the agency's headquarters in East Jerusalem, and the killing of over 380 UNRWA staff in Gaza. These actions have been condemned by Lazzarini and others as violations of international law. Furthermore, UNRWA is facing severe funding cuts, leading to staff layoffs and salary reductions, which Lazzarini has highlighted as forcing the agency into austerity amid a worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Allegations of UNRWA's ties to Hamas and antisemitism within its schools further complicate the situation. Lazzarini's role is crucial as he navigates these challenges to maintain aid delivery to Palestinian refugees.