The United States has decided to temporarily halt funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) due to allegations of staff involvement in the 7 October Hamas attack. UNRWA, in response, has terminated several employees and initiated an investigation based on information provided by Israel. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed his shock at the news and has called for a prompt investigation.
The 7 October attack by Hamas resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,300 individuals, mostly civilians, and the hostage-taking of 250 people. Israel responded with retaliatory attacks on Hamas in Gaza, leading to the deaths of over 26,000 Palestinians according to Hamas-run health ministry reports.
The US state department, announcing its decision to suspend funding, is “extremely troubled” by the allegations of UN staff involvement in the attacks. Philippe Lazzarini, the head of UNRWA, confirmed that Israel had provided his organization with information regarding the alleged involvement of several UNRWA employees in the attacks. As a result, UNRWA has launched internal investigations and severed ties with the implicated employees.
Israeli Prime Minister’s adviser, Mark Regev, highlighted that individuals involved in the 7 October attacks were on the payroll of UNRWA. Regev mentioned instances where teachers in UNRWA schools openly celebrated the attacks and a hostage who claimed to have been held in the house of a UNRWA employee. He called for a comprehensive investigation into the relationship between UNRWA and Hamas, emphasizing the control Hamas exerts over UNRWA’s union.
In response, UN Secretary-General Guterres asked Mr. Lazzarini to swiftly investigate the matter and ensure that any UNRWA employee found to have participated or supported the 7 October attack is promptly terminated and referred for potential criminal prosecution. The US praised Guterres’s call for a thorough investigation, and the European Union expressed extreme concern, stating that they would assess further steps based on the results of the investigation.
The suspension of US funding to UNRWA will have significant implications for the agency and the Palestinian refugees it serves. UNRWA relies heavily on donor contributions, with the US being the agency’s largest donor. The funding freeze will hinder UNRWA’s ability to provide essential services, such as healthcare, education, and employment opportunities, to the Palestinian refugees.
Moreover, this development raises questions about the integrity and transparency of UNRWA’s operations. If the allegations are proven true, it would indicate a severe breach of trust, as UNRWA employees are meant to uphold humanitarian values and ensure the well-being of the vulnerable communities they serve. The incident could lead to a loss of confidence in UNRWA’s ability to carry out its mandate effectively.
It is crucial for the investigation to be conducted promptly and impartially to establish the truth and hold accountable those found responsible. The findings will have a profound impact on the future of UNRWA, its relationship with donor countries, and the perception of its effectiveness in providing aid to Palestinian refugees.
Additionally, this incident highlights the broader issue of political influence within humanitarian organizations. It raises concerns regarding the potential infiltration of extremist groups in otherwise well-intentioned organizations and the need for robust security protocols and oversight mechanisms to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
Moving forward, it is essential for UNRWA to take immediate steps to address these allegations and reinforce its commitment to neutrality, impartiality, and the provision of humanitarian assistance to those in need. Transparency and accountability must be at the forefront of its operations to regain trust and ensure that resources are effectively and ethically utilized for the benefit of the Palestinian refugees it serves.
