“This is unprecedented in other conflicts in modern history,” Lazarini said in a statement posted on his official X account on Friday.
He said Israeli authorities have blocked international journalists from entering Gaza since the war began 20 months ago. “It’s a ban on truth. It’s a ban on reporting facts. It’s the perfect recipe for promoting misinformation, deepening polarization and promoting dehumanization,” pointed out the UNRWA chief.
He emphasized the importance of media freedom, saying, “International journalists must report independently from Gaza and support their Palestinian colleagues.
“It has been reported that nearly 200 people have been killed since the war began,” Lazarini said, reiterating that “the ban on international media must be lifted.”
In another statement, the UN Refugee Agency for Palestinians once again called on the Israeli regime to cooperate with the allegations against the agency, saying there was no reliable evidence provided to demonstrate these claims.
“UNRWA has repeatedly requested cooperation and evidence from Israel regarding serious allegations made against the agency,” the statement read.
Reaffirming its commitment to its mission, Unrwa highlighted its readiness to provide humanitarian assistance of scale in Gaza, along with other UN agencies.
Last October, the Israeli Parliament (Knesset) passed a bill banning activities in occupying territories under the assertion that its operatives were linked to Hamas.
Unrwa was established in 1949 by a UN resolution, requiring support and protection to Palestinian refugees in Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
MNA/