Mother confronts UNRWA chief

During a speech by UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini at Switzerland's National Day celebrations in Lausanne, Ayelet Samerano confronted him over the kidnapping and murder of her son, Yonatan, by Hamas on October 7, 2023. Samerano accused UNRWA of complicity in the crime, claiming that an UNRWA employee was involved in abducting her son's body to Gaza, and she demanded to know its whereabouts. Her protest, which drew attention from various community members, highlighted ongoing frustrations regarding UNRWA's alleged ties to terrorist activities and the perceived inaction of the United Nations. This incident has intensified calls for accountability, as several countries had previously suspended funding to UNRWA due to concerns over its operations. The event marks 300 days since the October attack, underscoring the lasting impact on families affected by the conflict. Amid the turmoil, Lazzarini's speech continued despite the disruptions, reflecting the contentious atmosphere surrounding UNRWA's role in the region.