The head of the United Nations Palestine Refugee Agency is under renewed pressure from Israel over its alleged ties to Hamas, and has also come under scrutiny over a decision to fire staff before an investigation is complete.
On Friday, the Guardian reported that UNRWA Director-General Philippe Lazzarini followed “adverse due process” when he fired nine staff accused by Israel of involvement in the October 7 Hamas attack. He reportedly admitted this at a press conference.
“Indeed, I fired without due process, because failing to make such a decision puts not only the reputation at risk, but also the ability of the entire agency to continue operating and provide critical humanitarian assistance.” Because I felt at the time that I could do it,” Lazzarini said. The statement was quoted.
“Given the public disclosure of this fact, whether true or false, my judgment is that we need to make the quickest and boldest decision to demonstrate that we, as an agency, take these allegations seriously. I was told that there is.”