The leader of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) alleged on Sunday that Israeli authorities had once again prevented him from entering Gaza since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict on October 7, as reported by AFP.
Philippe Lazzarini expressed his frustration on social media, stating, “Just this week, they have denied — for the second time — my entry to Gaza where I planned to be with our UNRWA colleagues including those on the front lines.”
Accusing Israeli authorities of obstructing humanitarian efforts, Lazzarini asserted, “The Israeli authorities continue to deny humanitarian access to the United Nations.”
Highlighting the challenges faced by UNRWA staff, Lazzarini revealed, “Only in the past two weeks, we have recorded 10 incidents involving shooting at convoys, arrests of UN staff including bullying, stripping them naked, threats with arms & long delays at checkpoints forcing convoys to move during the dark or abort.”
Despite having visited Gaza four times since the conflict began, including a trip on March 17, Lazzarini claimed that Israel had previously prevented him from entering the Gaza Strip during his visit.
Lazzarini’s plans to enter Rafah were reportedly halted, as he stated during a joint press conference in Cairo with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, citing entry denial by Israeli authorities.
In a subsequent social media post, Lazzarini reiterated his claim of being denied entry to Gaza by Israeli authorities.
Responding to Lazzarini’s allegations, the Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) stated, “The UNRWA commissioner’s request to coordinate his entry into the Gaza Strip was not submitted by the necessary coordination processes and channels. This was promptly communicated to the relevant UN bodies.”
COGAT accused UNRWA of shifting blame onto Israel for their own oversights, dismissing Lazzarini’s claims.
Israel previously accused 12 UNRWA personnel of involvement in Hamas’ October 7 attack, alleging their participation in kidnapping, distributing ammunition, and active involvement in the massacre at Kibbutz Be’eri, where 97 people were killed.
While UNRWA initiated an investigation into the implicated employees, Lazzarini distanced himself from any knowledge of Hamas’ influence within UNRWA, repeatedly condemning Israel for what he described as a targeted campaign to undermine UNRWA’s operations.
A review panel appointed by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to investigate Israel’s accusations against UNRWA recently released its findings, acknowledging “neutrality-related issues” within UNRWA but demanding concrete evidence from Israel regarding allegations of staff involvement in terrorist activities.
Following the review, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric announced the closure of one case against an UNRWA employee due to insufficient evidence provided by Israel and the suspension of three additional cases pending further investigation.
{Matzav.com Israel}
Lazzarini is not just a terror sympathizer, but an overt supporter of terror. His crimes have been committed in Gaza and on the Lebanese border. He should not be complaining. He should be celebrating that he has not yet been charged for war crimes in front of the ICC.
Exactly y should he be allowed in what has he done for the hostages
he should be let in and not be let out again!
Mr Lazarini obviously cannot enter Israel on his diplomatic passport since Israel no longer recognizes his organization as a legitimate member of the international diplomatic community.
I highly recommend that he attempts to enter on his civilian passport and presents himself at the border checkpoint or at the airport.
If the Israeli government chooses to arrest him and try him for aiding and and abetting a terrorist organization as well as specific terror attacks that would just be so unfortunate.