UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini accused Israel of mistreating dozens of agency workers detained since the start of the Gaza war, claiming some were used as human shields. According to him, more than 50 employees - including teachers, doctors and social workers - endured humiliation, sleep deprivation, dog attacks, threats against them and their families, and forced confessions. Lazzarini stated in an official announcement that the workers were 'treated in the most shocking and inhumane manner possible.'