The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) Commissioner-General, Philippe Lazzarini, criticised the 'relentless attacks' on the organisation since October 7 while addressing the opening of UNRWA's Advisory Commission in Geneva on Monday.

"The agency has been a force for stability across the region and a beacon of hope for Palestinians. Today, however, UNRWA is staggering under the weight of relentless attacks," Lazzarini said.

"[UNRWA] exists today because a political solution does not. It exists in lieu of a state that can deliver critical public services," he added.

In February, Israel alleged that 12 UNRWA staff members were involved in the Hamas attacks of October 7, prompting at least 15 countries to pull their support for the agency.

In response to the allegations made by Israel, UNRWA said it had terminated the contracts of the accused and launched a full investigation into the claims.

The agency's chief announced that the ongoing investigation by The Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) found that of the 19 cases referred for investigation, one was closed and the staff member was reinstated and four cases have been suspended, 'requiring additional evidence'.

"These are grotesque, irresponsible and dangerous actions. In 30 years of humanitarian work, I have never encountered such blatant disregard for the protected status of humanitarian workers, facilities and operations under international law," Lazzarini stated.

"Israel has long been critical of the Agency’s mandate," he continued. "But it now seeks to end UNRWA's operations, dismissing the Agency’s status as a United Nations entity supported by an overwhelming majority of member states. If we do not push back, other UN entities and international organisations will be next."

An independent report, commissioned by former French FM Catherine Colonna, concluded that the Israeli government had not provided evidence for its allegations against UNRWA.

During his speech, Lazzarini also expressed concerns over the disruption of education across the Strip. He said that 630,000 children now have no access to education, almost half of which were enrolled in 'nearly 290 UNRWA schools' prior to October 7.

"Children who are out of school are at risk of violence and exploitation, child labour, early marriage and recruitment by armed groups. Without decisive intervention to resume education, we will condemn an entire generation to poverty and sow the seeds of hatred, resentment and future conflict," he added.

UNRWA was established by the United Nations in 1949 with a mandate to provide assistance and protection to Palestinian refugees in its five areas of operation: Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip, until a just solution is reached.

Fighting continues for the ninth month in Gaza after Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on southern Israel on October 7, killing 1,139 people, mostly civilians, and kidnapping over 200 according to Israeli officials.

Israel declared war on the group and a 'complete siege' of Gaza, with a large-scale campaign of air strikes. A ground incursion began at the end of the third week, with Israeli leaders vowing to 'wipe out' Hamas. Palestinian officials reported that at least 37,626 people had been killed and more than 86,098 injured at time of publication.

The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) claimed that Hamas locations and infrastructure were targeted in the response. However, United Nations experts warned against 'collective punishment' for the people of Gaza, before predicting a 'humanitarian crisis' and then claimed that 'hell is settling in' for the region.