Since October 2023, more than 50 UNRWA staff members have been arrested, including teachers, doctors, and social workers

"They have been treated in the most shocking and inhumane way," says Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). "They reported being beaten up and used as human shields. They were subjected to sleep deprivation, humiliation, threats of harm to them and their families and attacks by dogs. Many were subjected to forced confessions. This is nothing short of harrowing and outrageous. Humanitarian workers are not a target. Their suffering must not be ignored. There must be justice and accountability for the crimes and violations of international law committed in the Gaza Strip."