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New York

26 January 2024

Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General – on allegations concerning UNRWA

The Secretary-General has been briefed by the Commissioner-General of UNRWA, Philippe Lazzarini,ÌýregardingÌýextremely serious allegations which implicate several UNRWA staff members in the terror attacks ofÌý7 OctoberÌýin Israel.
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The Secretary-GeneralÌýis horrified by this news andÌýhasÌýasked Mr. Lazzarini to investigate this matter swiftly and to ensure that any UNRWA employeeÌýshown to have participated or abetted what transpiredÌýon 7 October, or in any other criminal activity,Ìýbe terminated immediately and referred for potential criminal prosecution.Ìý

UNRWA will be commissioning an independent expert review, as announced by Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini on 17 January 2024.

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