Dis-information and mis-information continue. Fact checking is key to credible reporting – Statement by Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA Commissioner-General

03 February 2025

From Philippe Lazzarini, the UNRWA Commissioner-General as posted on his official X account (previously known as Twitter)

Here’s a recap of events:

• In January 2024, I received verbal information about the alleged participation of 12 UNRWA staff in the horrible massacre of 7 October 2023. Additional allegations were made two months later about 7 other staff.
• If these allegations were confirmed, it would be an unspeakable betrayal of UN values and Palestine Refugees. Any crimes must be investigated and those responsible be held accountable.
• The Secretary General launched an investigation by OIOS that failed to substantiate any of the allegations. It concluded in the case of 9 staff: “the evidence provided … could, if authenticated and corroborated, provide a factual basis to conclude that the UNRWA staff member may have engaged in conduct sanctionable under the applicable UNRWA Regulations and Rules.”
• Despite that the evidence was NOT corroborated or authenticated, I have decided to terminate the contracts of those staff in the interest of the Agency.
• One staff was reinstated since all recognized he was misidentified. The remaining 9 staff remain fully suspended despite no substantiation of the allegations.
• My decisions protect the interest of the Agency and the communities we assist, especially in Gaza.
• UNRWA has 13,000 staff members in Gaza. They are dedicated to serve their communities. Labeling them and making unproven accusations against them harms people’s lives.