Over 300 UNRWA staff members killed during Israeli genocide in Gaza

More than 300 staff members of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza since the start of the genocide in October 2023, the agency’s Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini confirmed on Sunday.

In a post on X , Lazzarini stated, “Today, that death toll has surpassed the gruesome milestone of 300. The vast majority of staff were killed by the Israeli Army, with their children and loved ones, whole families wiped out.”

He emphasised that most of the deceased UNRWA staff were health workers and teachers, with several killed while on duty serving their communities. “Nothing justifies these killings,” Lazzarini added. “Impunity will lead to more killing. Those responsible must be held accountable.”

#Gaza: throughout this war, one of the most dreadful updates I regularly receive is the death toll on @UNRWA staff.

Today, that death toll has surpassed the gruesome milestone of 300.

The vast majority of staff were killed by the Israeli Army with their children & loved ones:…

— Philippe Lazzarini (@UNLazzarini) May 18, 2025

UNRWA, established in 1949, provides vital services to nearly 5.9 million Palestinian refugees across Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon. In Gaza alone, nearly 2.4 million residents rely entirely on humanitarian aid, according to World Bank estimates.

Read: Israel allows only ‘basic quantity of food’ into Gaza after 10 weeks

Since March 2, Israeli authorities have maintained a full blockade on Gaza crossings, halting the flow of food, medical supplies, and humanitarian aid, a move that has worsened the enclave’s already dire humanitarian crisis, according to multiple international and human rights organisations.

The ongoing Israeli military offensive, which began on October 7, 2023, has resulted in the deaths of more than 53,300 Palestinians, the majority of whom are reported to be women and children.

In November 2024, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, citing alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Gaza.

Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which continues to investigate allegations tied to its military operations in the besieged territory.