Tel Aviv protesters call for end to Gaza war, return of captives
Demonstrators carry sacks of flour during a protest demanding an end to the war in Gaza and the release of all captives, in Tel Aviv, Israel
Demonstrators hold signs highlighting the starvation in Gaza
UNRWA chief says Israel blocking UN visas
Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, has accused Israel of systematically denying visas to humanitarian workers and blocking access to Gaza and the occupied West Bank – a move he said is “deepening the spread of disinformation” and “increasing dehumanization” of Palestinians.
In a post on X, Lazzarini wrote: “As if banning international media is not enough. Humanitarian workers are also banned when they report on atrocities committed in Gaza and elsewhere in the occupied Palestinian territory.”
He said Israel has increasingly denied or failed to renew visas for UN staff, including humanitarian coordinators and heads of agencies.
“All UNRWA international staff have not been granted visas for nearly six months now,” he said.
Lazzarini himself has been denied access to Gaza since March 2024, shortly after the International Court of Justice ordered Israel to take action to address the famine in Gaza, and to the occupied West Bank since June.
Silencing voices.
As if banning international media is not enough.
Humanitarian workers are also banned when they report on atrocities committed in #Gaza & elsewhere in the occupied Palestinian territory.
The denial of a visa to our colleague from @ochaopt is the latest in a…
— Philippe Lazzarini (@UNLazzarini) July 22, 2025
