UNRWA Fires Gaza Staff Suspected of Involvement in Hamas Attack
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) has taken action against its Gaza staff members suspected of participating in the recent attack by Hamas and other militants on southern Israel. The agency’s director, Philippe Lazzarini, announced on Friday that contracts with “several” employees have been terminated, and an investigation has been initiated. The U.S., which is the largest donor to UNRWA, has temporarily halted its funding in response to these allegations.
The attack, which occurred on October 7th, saw Hamas fighters breach the security fence surrounding Gaza and launch an assault on Israeli communities. The incident resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and the kidnapping of around 250 individuals. Lazzarini condemned the attack and called for the immediate release of all Israeli hostages.
In response to Israel’s offensive against Hamas, UNRWA has been providing aid to Gaza’s population, which has been grappling with a humanitarian crisis. However, the U.S. funding freeze raises concerns about the agency’s ability to continue its operations effectively.
The allegations against UNRWA employees have raised shock and concern within the organization. Lazzarini emphasized that any employee involved in acts of terror will be held accountable, including through criminal prosecution. However, he did not provide specific details regarding the staff members’ alleged roles in the attack.
Since the start of the conflict, Israel’s assault has resulted in the deaths of over 26,000 Palestinians, with a significant number being women and children. The Gaza Health Ministry reported that more than 64,400 individuals have been wounded. Among those killed are over 150 UNRWA employees, marking the highest toll suffered by the organization in a conflict. Additionally, several U.N. shelters have been targeted during the bombardment.
The war has also displaced a significant portion of Gaza’s population, with more than 1.7 million out of 2.3 million people being driven from their homes. Many have sought refuge in schools and shelters operated by UNRWA. However, Israel’s restrictions on Gaza have severely limited the entry of international aid, leaving a quarter of the population at risk of starvation.
The U.S. State Department expressed deep concern over the allegations against UNRWA staff members and temporarily paused additional funding for the agency. The decision to conduct an “urgent and comprehensive” independent review of UNRWA was announced by U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres’ spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric.
Critics of UNRWA, including Israeli officials and their allies, have long accused the agency of allowing anti-Israeli incitement in its schools and claimed that some staff members collaborate with Hamas. The Trump administration suspended funding to UNRWA in 2018, but President Joe Biden reinstated it.
Supporters of UNRWA argue that these allegations are an attempt to undermine the refugee issue that has persisted for decades. Lazzarini intends to appoint an independent entity to investigate the claims and determine their validity and motivations. He also expressed concern that the accusations were further straining the agency’s already stretched operations.
The recent escalation in violence between Hamas militants and Israeli forces has led to thousands of Palestinians fleeing the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis. Families were seen evacuating on foot, carrying their belongings as smoke filled the skies above them. The Israeli military ordered residents of three Khan Younis neighborhoods and a refugee camp to evacuate to a coastal area due to ongoing combat with Hamas fighters.
In central Gaza, Israeli airstrikes on the Nuseirat urban refugee camp resulted in the deaths of at least 15 people, including a 5-month-old baby. The situation remains dire for aid groups attempting to deliver essential supplies to northern Gaza, where Israel’s ground invasion initially targeted and where it claims to have control. Limited access and Israeli restrictions have made it challenging to provide assistance to those in need.
As tensions continue to escalate, the International Court of Justice has ordered Israel to take all necessary measures to prevent death, destruction, and acts of genocide in Gaza. However, the court did not mandate an immediate end to the military offensive. South Africa has accused Israel of genocide, a claim that Israel vehemently rejects.
The situation in Gaza remains critical, with the population heavily reliant on international aid. The allegations against UNRWA staff members have raised concerns about the agency’s ability to provide essential services and support to the affected population. As investigations unfold and the conflict persists, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen.
___Jeffery reported from London.___