03:51Mandatory Credit: UNTV / News use only
Philippe Lazzarini, the Commissioner-General of UNRWA, confirmed during a press conference in New York City on Monday that Fateh Sharif Abou al-Amin, the Hamas commander killed in an Israeli strike on the Al-Bass refugee camp in southern Lebanon, was a former UN employee. He had been suspended from UNRWA in March following allegations that warranted an investigation.
Lazzarini highlighted the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, describing it as an 'endless nightmare' where people face disease, death, and hunger. He noted the deteriorating living conditions, including rampant sewage and garbage, which have led to health crises like the reappearance of polio.
The Commissioner-General also addressed the broader situation in the West Bank, describing it as a 'silent tragedy' where security operations result in significant destruction and collective punishment of the population. He stated that UNRWA is currently providing shelter for approximately 3,500 people, including Palestinian, Syrian, and Lebanese refugees.
Lazzarini confirmed that Abou al-Amin had been suspended from his position without pay and was under investigation at the time of his death. He emphasised the agency's commitment to due process in handling allegations against its staff. According to Hamas, Abou al-Amin was a key figure in the movement in Lebanon and was killed alongside several family members in the Israeli airstrike.
Last August, UN deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq announced that the organisation had decided to 'terminate' the employment of nine UNRWA staff members 'in the interest of the agency' due to their possible involvement in the 7 October Hamas attacks in Israel.
During his presser, Lazzarini also confirmed that UNRWA were giving shelter to 3,500 refugees in nine different locations including Palestinians, Syrians but also Lebanese fleeing the south of Lebanon amid clashes between Hezbollah and Israel.
'Endless nightmare in Gaza' - UNRWA confirms killed Hamas commander was former employee, highlights ongoing humanitarian crisis
Philippe Lazzarini, the Commissioner-General of UNRWA, confirmed during a press conference in New York City on Monday that Fateh Sharif Abou al-Amin, the Hamas commander killed in an Israeli strike on the Al-Bass refugee camp in southern Lebanon, was a former UN employee. He had been suspended from UNRWA in March following allegations that warranted an investigation.
Lazzarini highlighted the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, describing it as an 'endless nightmare' where people face disease, death, and hunger. He noted the deteriorating living conditions, including rampant sewage and garbage, which have led to health crises like the reappearance of polio.
The Commissioner-General also addressed the broader situation in the West Bank, describing it as a 'silent tragedy' where security operations result in significant destruction and collective punishment of the population. He stated that UNRWA is currently providing shelter for approximately 3,500 people, including Palestinian, Syrian, and Lebanese refugees.
Lazzarini confirmed that Abou al-Amin had been suspended from his position without pay and was under investigation at the time of his death. He emphasised the agency's commitment to due process in handling allegations against its staff. According to Hamas, Abou al-Amin was a key figure in the movement in Lebanon and was killed alongside several family members in the Israeli airstrike.
Last August, UN deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq announced that the organisation had decided to 'terminate' the employment of nine UNRWA staff members 'in the interest of the agency' due to their possible involvement in the 7 October Hamas attacks in Israel.
During his presser, Lazzarini also confirmed that UNRWA were giving shelter to 3,500 refugees in nine different locations including Palestinians, Syrians but also Lebanese fleeing the south of Lebanon amid clashes between Hezbollah and Israel.
Mandatory Credit: UNTV / News use only
Philippe Lazzarini, the Commissioner-General of UNRWA, confirmed during a press conference in New York City on Monday that Fateh Sharif Abou al-Amin, the Hamas commander killed in an Israeli strike on the Al-Bass refugee camp in southern Lebanon, was a former UN employee. He had been suspended from UNRWA in March following allegations that warranted an investigation.
Lazzarini highlighted the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, describing it as an 'endless nightmare' where people face disease, death, and hunger. He noted the deteriorating living conditions, including rampant sewage and garbage, which have led to health crises like the reappearance of polio.
The Commissioner-General also addressed the broader situation in the West Bank, describing it as a 'silent tragedy' where security operations result in significant destruction and collective punishment of the population. He stated that UNRWA is currently providing shelter for approximately 3,500 people, including Palestinian, Syrian, and Lebanese refugees.
Lazzarini confirmed that Abou al-Amin had been suspended from his position without pay and was under investigation at the time of his death. He emphasised the agency's commitment to due process in handling allegations against its staff. According to Hamas, Abou al-Amin was a key figure in the movement in Lebanon and was killed alongside several family members in the Israeli airstrike.
Last August, UN deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq announced that the organisation had decided to 'terminate' the employment of nine UNRWA staff members 'in the interest of the agency' due to their possible involvement in the 7 October Hamas attacks in Israel.
During his presser, Lazzarini also confirmed that UNRWA were giving shelter to 3,500 refugees in nine different locations including Palestinians, Syrians but also Lebanese fleeing the south of Lebanon amid clashes between Hezbollah and Israel.