Remarks by UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini at the Memorial Service Held in Honor of UNRWA Staff Tragically Lost in Gaza

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AMMAN,

“Thank you for joining this gathering today to remember and pay tribute to all our colleagues who have been so tragically killed over the past three weeks.

“We have lost at least 59 colleagues, and it pains me greatly to know that there are likely many more deaths we still have to verify.

“The colleagues killed were mothers and fathers, daughters and sons. Extraordinary people who dedicated their lives to their communities. They represented the best humanity has to offer – brave, compassionate, and devoted to the service of others.

“Their deaths are a loss not only to those who knew and loved them, and to the Agency, but to humanity as a whole.

“Losing so many colleagues in such a short time has left the Agency, and each of us, in a state of shock and profound grief. We will never be the same – their deaths leave a void at the heart of the Agency.

“Despite this grave loss, I am humbled and amazed to see you all continue to do every day the difficult and heartbreaking work of providing protection and support to civilians in the most challenging circumstances.

“Thousands of our colleagues, despite the fact that they share the same loss, fear, and daily struggle of millions of Gazans, put on their UN vest and go to work.  They are our true heroes. They are the face of humanity during its darkest hours.  I am deeply grateful to them and to you all.

“I want you to know that the senior management and I are with you every step of the way. We will not give up our constant efforts to advocate for the protection of civilians and all UNRWA installations, and the uninterrupted flow of meaningful humanitarian aid to civilians, wherever they are in Gaza.

“The UN family and the friends and supporters of UNRWA all over the world stand with us in our grief and in honoring our colleagues.”

Ends-