On the 10th, Director General Lazzarini of UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees), which is responsible for supporting residents in the Gaza Strip, gave an online interview to NHK, and revealed that some staff members were suspected of being involved in the Hamas attack last October. ``As an organization, we take this seriously and are taking prompt action.''
Regarding UNRWA, some staff members were suspected of being involved in attacks on Israel by Hamas, and of the 12 staff members allegedly involved, 10 have already been fired, excluding the two who died.
Secretary General Lazzarini said that an independent investigation is currently underway, and added, ``As an organization, we are taking the matter seriously and are taking swift action, including firing staff without waiting for the results of the investigation.'' I did.
Regarding the fact that more than 10 countries, including Japan, have temporarily suspended funding due to the allegations, the Director-General said, ``There is a possibility that there will be a funding shortage starting next month, and if that happens, we will not be able to provide the support that is requested.'' "This will affect our ability to respond. We hope that the findings of the investigation will be finalized quickly so that donor countries can resume funding."
Director-General Lazzarini also commented on the Israeli military's readiness to carry out ground operations in Rafah, the southernmost part of the Gaza Strip and where one million people have evacuated. "This will only lead to more tragedies. The residents of the Gaza Strip now have nowhere else to go," he said, expressing strong concern.
He added, ``In addition to food shortages, I am concerned that the residents are living in extremely difficult conditions, with many people falling ill.'' It is surprising that there is talk of expanding Israeli military operations when there is a need for a ceasefire. "This is unfortunate," he said, calling for a ceasefire as soon as possible.