I run the UN agency for Palestine refugees. History will judge us all if there is no ceasefire in Gaza | Philippe Lazzarini

The UN charter is a commitment to our shared humanity. Civilians - wherever they are - must be protected equally

• Philippe Lazzarini is commissioner-general of UNRWA

For more than two weeks now, unbearable images of human tragedy have come out of Gaza. Women, children and elderly people are being killed, hospitals and schools have been bombarded - no one is spared. As I write this, UNRWA, the United Nations agency for Palestine refugees, has already, tragically, lost 35 of its staff, many killed while in their homes with their families.

Entire neighbourhoods are being flattened over the heads of civilians in one of the most overcrowded spots on Earth. The IDF has been warning Palestinians in Gaza to move to the southern part of the strip as it bombs the north; but the strikes also continue in the south. There is nowhere safe in Gaza.

Philippe Lazzarini is commissioner-general of UNRWA, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine refugees