Tue Apr 29 17:21:55 UTC 2025: ## UNRWA Accuses Israel of Abusing Over 50 Staff in Gaza

**Gaza City, April 29, 2025** – The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) has accused Israeli forces of abusing over 50 of its staff members in Gaza, including teachers, doctors, and social workers, since the start of the October 2023 war. UNRWA head Philippe Lazzarini reported on X (formerly Twitter) that detainees were subjected to beatings, sleep deprivation, humiliation, threats, attacks by dogs, and forced confessions, with some describing their experiences as “a nightmare.” One staff member reportedly wished for death to end their ordeal.

Lazzarini detailed the allegations, stating that staff were also used as human shields during their detention. The Israeli military has yet to respond to these serious accusations.

This incident comes amidst ongoing tensions between Israel and UNRWA. Israel has banned UNRWA from operating within its territory, alleging that some staff participated in the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack which triggered the Gaza war. Independent investigations have not substantiated these allegations.

The timing of the accusations coincides with hearings at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), where dozens of nations and organizations are seeking an advisory opinion on Israel’s humanitarian obligations to Palestinians in Gaza, which has been under a total aid blockade for over 50 days. While Israel is boycotting the ICJ hearings, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar dismissed the proceedings as “systematic persecution and delegitimization” of Israel. He further claimed that the UN and UNRWA, not Israel, should be held accountable.

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