Former UNRWA chief Lazzarini warns of Israel's push to erase the agency
In his new book, former UNRWA commissioner Philippe Lazzarini describes Gaza’s devastation and Israel’s effort to dismantle the UN agency for Palestinian refugees.
Philippe Lazzarini’s latest book details the annihilation of Gaza and Israel’s deliberate strategy to eliminate UNRWA, the United Nations body for Palestinian refugees. Serving as the agency’s commissioner between 2020 and March 2026, Lazzarini condemns what he calls an "abdication" by the global community. He addresses the long-standing Israeli desire to erase UNRWA because it embodies the refugee right of return, noting that Israel has now taken concrete steps toward that goal.
The narrative also tackles the controversial allegations of UNRWA’s alleged cooperation with Hamas and the tough choices Lazzarini was forced to make. Ultimately, he warns that the prospects for a political solution for Palestinians are fading.
Why it matters
The book reveals how Israel’s actions could dismantle a key UN agency, affecting Palestinian refugees and international humanitarian policy.
How this story developed
- Sep 17 Gaza families face new evacuations and food shortages a year after ceasefire
- Sep 28 A six‑storey apartment block collapsed, killing 21 people and prompting a lengthy rescue effort.
- Oct 6 Israel's Consul General in New York, Ofir Akunis, has asked Mayor Zohran Mamdadi to attend a screening of an IDF-produced film about the Oct. 7 Hamas assault.
- Oct 8 Israel’s ambassador issued a public rebuke of the mayor’s remarks while his son was in intensive care.
- Oct 9 Mayor Mamdani was booed at a Union Square vigil and confronted by anti‑Israel demonstrators at a city memorial.
- Oct 10 Israeli forces issued new evacuation orders for multiple Gaza neighborhoods.
- Oct 12 A Gaza resident died of liver cancer after prolonged delays in medical evacuation.
- Oct 16 Israeli airstrikes on the cease‑fire anniversary caused new civilian fatalities.
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