Brief World News: Arson at UNRWA Office in East Jerusalem, UN Investigation into Gaza Staff Member’s Death, Food Insecurity in South Sudan

UNRWA, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, is facing a new wave of violence and attacks in the region. Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini took to social media to denounce the recent arson attempt by Israeli children and young people on the UNRWA headquarters.

Last Thursday evening, Israeli residents set fire twice to the perimeter of the UNRWA headquarters while staff from several UN agencies were present in the compound. The incident caused extensive damage to the outdoor areas, including the petrol and diesel station for the agency’s fleet of cars.

Mr. Lazzarini described how a crowd accompanied by armed men chanted “burn down the United Nations” outside the compound during the attack. Despite the lack of casualties among the staff, the situation was tense as Israeli authorities took their time to respond to the incident.

The UNRWA chief also highlighted the ongoing protests by Israeli extremists outside the UNRWA compound in East Jerusalem, which have escalated into violence. Staff members have been harassed, intimidated, and threatened with guns by these extremists.

Meanwhile, in Gaza, the UN is investigating the killing of an Indian staff member during Israeli military strikes. The deceased staff member, Waibhav Anil Kale, is the first international casualty in Gaza. The UN is working with Israeli authorities to determine the circumstances of the incident.

As tensions rise in the region, the UN is calling for accountability for these attacks and urging the State of Israel to ensure the protection of UN personnel and facilities at all times. Failure to do so, warns Mr. Lazzarini, will set a dangerous new standard for the region.