UN Official Condemns Israel-Hamas War's Devastating Impact on UN Sites

The head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, Philippe Lazzarini, has denounced the "blatant disregard" for UN premises in the Israel-Hamas war, stating that there is no safe haven for civilians in Gaza, including UN shelters and designated "safe zones." Over 80 UN facilities in Gaza have been hit, including those sheltering civilians, resulting in the deaths of more than 220 Palestinians and 130 UNRWA employees. Lazzarini called for an independent investigation into the strikes and urged for a new ceasefire and the opening of more border crossings to allow aid and commercial goods into Gaza. UNRWA is currently focusing on improving conditions in existing shelters, but Lazzarini hopes that a political resolution to the conflict will make the agency obsolete.