UN Agency Terminates Staff Contracts Amid Allegations of Involvement in Hamas Attack
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestinian affairs has announced the termination of several staff members’ contracts following allegations that agency workers were involved in the Hamas attack on October 7th. This attack resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people in Israel and sparked the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Philippe Lazzarini, the commissioner general of UNRWA, stated that any employee found to be involved in acts of terror would be held accountable, including through criminal prosecution. He also ordered an immediate investigation to establish the truth behind these allegations.
The exact number of employees under suspicion has not been disclosed by UNRWA, but the United States claims that it is 12. The agency employs approximately 13,000 people in Gaza, where it provides vital services such as food assistance, healthcare, and education. In response to the allegations, the State Department has paused new funding for UNRWA while it reviews the situation and the steps taken by the United Nations to address these serious accusations.
The United States is the largest donor to UNRWA, and Secretary of State Antony Blinken has emphasized the agency’s essential mission. Even a temporary suspension of U.S. aid could significantly weaken UNRWA’s ability to respond to the dire humanitarian needs in Gaza. Currently, more than 93 percent of the population in Gaza faces crisis levels of hunger, and 1.9 million people have sought refuge in UNRWA shelters. The allegations come at a time when millions of people in Gaza are dependent on lifesaving assistance provided by the agency since the war began.
Israel’s campaign to eradicate Hamas from Gaza has resulted in the deaths of over 26,000 Palestinians, according to the Hamas-run Gaza ministry of health. The majority of these casualties were civilians. Aid officials have reported that their personnel have been deliberately targeted while carrying out lifesaving activities. UNRWA states that 152 of its staff members have been killed, and at least 357 displaced civilians have lost their lives while seeking shelter in the agency’s facilities.
The allegations, termination of workers, and the subsequent investigation were made public shortly after the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordered Israel to take more measures to prevent civilian deaths in Gaza and allow increased aid into the besieged enclave. The United States expressed deep concern over the allegations and welcomed the investigation. The State Department has reached out to the Israeli government for more information and has briefed Members of Congress on the matter. Close contact will be maintained with the United Nations and the Israeli government regarding this issue.
Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expects an urgent examination of the allegations and has emphasized the need for UNRWA to conduct a thorough internal investigation into the activities of Hamas operatives and other terrorist elements within its ranks. It is crucial to ensure that the humanitarian activities of the organization are not exploited for malicious purposes.
Throughout the conflict, the Biden administration has been a significant ally of Israel. It has expedited the transfer of American weapons while urging Israel to take greater measures to limit civilian casualties. Critics have pointed out the timing of these allegations, which were made public on a day when the ICJ’s ruling would have otherwise dominated the news from Gaza.
Since 2021, the United States has provided UNRWA with over $1 billion in funding. The State Department maintains rigorous oversight over the agency’s policies, programs, and finances. Risk-mitigation measures include closely monitoring UNRWA’s activities through partner vetting, anti-terrorism certifications, and close cooperation with Israeli authorities. The National Security Council has emphasized that UNRWA is an essential component in any plan aimed at maintaining stability in the region and protecting civilians.
In conclusion, the termination of UNRWA staff contracts amid allegations of involvement in the Hamas attack has raised significant concerns. The United States, as the agency’s largest donor, has paused funding while investigations are underway. The allegations come at a critical time when the humanitarian needs in Gaza are dire, and millions of people depend on UNRWA’s assistance. The Israeli government expects a thorough internal investigation to ensure that the organization’s activities are not exploited for malicious purposes. The Biden administration continues to support Israel while urging measures to limit civilian casualties. The situation remains complex and requires careful attention to protect civilians and address the allegations against UNRWA staff members.
