UN agency for Palestinian refugees is continued target of 'misinformation, disinformation': Agency chief

By Merve Berker

ANKARA (AA) – The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) continues to be the target of “misinformation and disinformation,” the head of the organization said on Thursday.

In Gaza, “too many” UNRWA humanitarian workers are being killed as the buildings owned by the agency are attacked, Philippe Lazzarini said on X, adding: “At the same time, @UNRWA continues to be the target of a barrage of misinformation & disinformation.”

“This includes attempts of justifying the killing of staff by labeling them operatives of armed groups like Hamas,” he explained.

Describing such claims as “horrific,” the official said that they are being “made publicly, are not backed by evidence & are dangerous.”

“Most importantly, they instigate fear among our humanitarian frontline workers in Gaza,” Lazzarini stated, adding: “Several colleagues told us they no longer feel safe to put on the UNRWA vest.”

He further lamented: “Their children are begging them not to go to work fearing they might be killed while in UNRWA buildings.”

“The misinformation attacks are not about the neutrality of #UNRWA or our humanitarian workers,” he said.

The official also explained that their aims include creating distraction from the war's atrocities, dehumanizing the victims to justify the unbearable, and undermining or eliminating the UNRWA, Gaza's largest humanitarian provider of food, shelter, and healthcare.

“Everyone has a responsibility to control the spread of inaccurate or malicious information,” he said, suggesting: “Before sharing, check the facts to avoid the trap of putting the lives of others at risk.”

Since Oct. 7, 2023, Israeli airstrikes on Gaza have killed at least 41,272 Palestinians, including 16,795 children and 11,378 women, while 95,551 people have been injured.

Thousands are still reported to be trapped under rubble.

Israel’s continued targeting of hospitals, schools and other civilian infrastructure is also causing widespread destruction of essential services.