At least one UNRWA staff member was killed and another 22 were injured when Israeli Forces hit a food distribution centre in the eastern part of Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip.

“Today’s attack on one of the very few remaining UNRWA distribution centres in the Gaza Strip comes as food supplies are running out, hunger is widespread and, in some areas, turning into famine”, said UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini on Wednesday.

“Every day, we share the coordinates of all our facilities across the Gaza Strip with parties to the conflict. The Israeli Army received the coordinates including of this facility yesterday,” said Lazzarini.

Since the war began five months ago, UNRWA has recorded an unprecedented number of violations against its staff and facilities that surpass any other conflict around the world.

At least 165 UNRWA team members have been killed including while in the line of duty; More than 150 UNRWA facilities were hit, some totally destroyed, among them many schools.

More than 400 people killed while seeking shelter under the UN flag; UNRWA staff have reportedly been mistreated and humiliated while in Israeli detention centres.

“The United Nations, its personnel, premises and assets must be protected at all times. Since this war began, attacks against UN facilities, convoys and personnel have become commonplace in blatant disregard to international humanitarian law. I am calling once again for an independent inquiry into these violations and the need for accountability,” added Lazzarini.