The UN says that nine UNRWA employees have been dismissed based on an internal investigation.
Earlier this year, accusations against UNRWA workers caused many countries, including Finland, to suspend funding for the organization. AOP
The UN says it has fired a number of workers of the Palestinian refugee aid organization, who, according to the organization, “may have been involved” in last October’s attack on Israel by Hamas. The UN says that nine of its former employees are suspected of involvement in the attacks.
– We have enough information to take action, i.e. the dismissal of these nine people, the UN spokesman Farhan Haq says.
Haq adds that the UN is evaluating other measures to confirm the allegations.
The news agency AFP reported on the matter.
Israel made allegations earlier this year that 19 UNRWA workers may have been involved in the October 7 attack. The UN’s internal inspection unit concluded its investigation into Israel’s claims before Monday.
“Evidence obtained by the Internal Audit Unit showed that UNRWA personnel may have been involved in the armed attacks on October 7,” says Haq.
For the other ten employees under investigation, the inspection unit found no evidence to support the allegations.
Haq adds that information from the internal investigation is confidential. Haq says he has no further information on the details of the allegations and evidence.
Head of UNRWA Philippe Lazzarini says in its statement that the persons in question “cannot work for UNRWA”.
Israel’s accusations against UNRWA workers caused many countries, including Finland, to stop funding the organization. Finland and some of the countries that suspended funding have since continued payments.
Israel declared war on the Palestinian extremist organization Hamas after Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. In an October attack, Hamas invaded the areas surrounding the Gaza Strip it controls, killing 1,200 people. In addition, it took more than 200 people hostage.
According to local authorities, more than 36,000 Palestinians have died in Israel’s counterattack on the Gaza Strip.
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