UN Relief Agency in Gaza Terminates Staff Contracts Following Israeli Accusations
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) operating in Gaza has announced the termination of staff contracts after Israeli authorities accused some employees of being involved in the October 7 attacks. The militant group Hamas carried out the attacks, resulting in the deaths of over 1,200 people and the abduction of more than 250 others. In response to these allegations, UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini stated that an investigation would be launched, and those found involved would be held accountable, including through criminal prosecution. The decision to terminate contracts aims to protect the agency’s ability to deliver humanitarian aid.
Israeli authorities welcomed the investigation, emphasizing the importance of UNRWA conducting an in-house check on the activity of Hamas and other terrorist factors within its ranks. The news of the staff terminations came shortly after the UN’s top court ordered Israel to take immediate action to prevent genocide in Gaza. Although the court did not call for a ceasefire, the ruling was largely welcomed by all parties involved.
In response to the allegations against UNRWA, the US State Department announced a temporary pause in additional funding to the agency. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant praised this move. Secretary of State Antony Blinken also spoke with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, emphasizing the need for a thorough and swift investigation into the matter. The US has reached out to the Israeli government for more details on the allegations and has briefed members of Congress.
UNRWA and Israeli authorities have been contacted for further information regarding Israel’s allegations and the nature of the alleged involvement of UNRWA employees. Lazzarini expressed concern over the shocking allegations, highlighting that over 2 million people in Gaza rely on lifesaving assistance provided by the agency.
Republican US Senator Jim Risch described the allegations as unconscionable and criticized the Biden Administration for resuming funding to UNRWA, citing the organization’s history of employing individuals connected to terrorist movements like Hamas. However, CNN cannot independently verify the allegations.
The relations between Israel and the UN have deteriorated in recent months, with senior UN officials repeatedly condemning Israel’s military approach to the war in Gaza. In December, Israeli diplomats criticized UN Secretary-General António Guterres for calling for a ceasefire, accusing him of supporting Hamas and the October 7 attack. As Israel’s offensive continues, entire neighborhoods in Gaza have been destroyed, critical supplies are running low, and over 2.2 million people face starvation, dehydration, and deadly diseases. The UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reports that at least 1.7 million Palestinians have been internally displaced. World leaders have expressed concern over the mounting Palestinian death toll, with Israeli attacks killing at least 26,083 people, mostly women, children, and the elderly, according to the Hamas-run Ministry of Health.
Israel maintains its opposition to calls for a ceasefire, stating that it needs to continue its efforts to eliminate Hamas. The situation in Gaza remains fluid, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
CNN reporters Lauren Iszo, Niamh Kennedy, Abbas Al Lawati, and Nadeen Ebrahim contributed to this report.
