In an interview with Margaret Brennan on Face the Nation, Philippe Lazzarini, the Commissioner General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), discussed the devastating loss of UN staff members in Gaza during the conflict. Lazzarini revealed that 108 UN staff members have been killed, making it the highest number of UN workers killed in the history of the United Nations. He expressed his condolences for the loss and highlighted the fact that 70 UN locations, which shelter over 1 million people, have been hit since the conflict began. Despite constantly communicating and notifying the Israeli authorities, as well as Hamas, about their locations, there has been a high death toll. When asked about who is hitting these locations, Lazzarini stated that an investigation is needed to determine who is responsible for each incident. However, he emphasized that there has been a blatant disregard for international humanitarian law, UN premises, and civilian populations.

Brennan then questioned Lazzarini about the situation in the south of Gaza and whether there were assurances in place to protect civilians there. Lazzarini responded by saying that there have been no safe places in Gaza and that people were initially asked to move from the north to the south, but many have been killed in the south. He stressed the importance of the Israeli authorities and the warring parties respecting the UN premises and fulfilling their obligations under international humanitarian law. Lazzarini went on to describe the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, sharing a heartbreaking story of a father and his five children living in a four square meter makeshift shelter without basic necessities like mattresses and blankets.

After a commercial break, the interview shifted to Jake Sullivan, the White House National Security Adviser, who provided updates on the delicate diplomatic deal that includes the release of American hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and humanitarian aid. Sullivan stated that there is reason to believe Americans will be released, but until they are out of Gaza and in the hands of their loved ones, there can be no full confirmation. He mentioned the intensity surrounding the logistics of delivering humanitarian assistance and the preparedness of the Israelis to release Palestinian prisoners. Sullivan acknowledged the difficulties in implementing such a complex deal and emphasized the need for caution and verification.

Brennan inquired about the remaining Americans who are unaccounted for and whether the truce will be extended to ensure their release. Sullivan expressed confidence that all Americans and hostages will eventually come home, but noted that the extension of the truce depends on Hamas producing additional hostages. If Hamas continues to produce hostages, the pause in fighting will be extended, but the responsibility lies with Hamas to make that choice.

Regarding Israel's military planning, Brennan asked if the US is satisfied with the assurances provided by Israel to delay combat operations until civilians are accounted for. Sullivan stated that the focus is on creating conditions that ensure military action only takes place after civilians have been accounted for and have access to humanitarian assistance. He mentioned ongoing discussions with the Israelis to apply lessons from the north to any future military operations.

The interview concluded with a discussion about President Biden's comments on putting conditions on military aid to Israel. Sullivan clarified that the President acknowledged it as a worthwhile thought but highlighted the success of high-level, presidential diplomacy in generating results, such as increasing humanitarian assistance, facilitating the safe departure of foreign nationals, achieving a pause in fighting, and securing a hostage deal.