UNRWA Investigates Employees Suspected of Involvement in Attacks
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) has announced that it is conducting an investigation into several employees who are suspected of being involved in the October 7 attacks in Israel. The agency has also severed ties with these staff members.
UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini stated that the Israeli authorities had provided the agency with information regarding the alleged involvement of some UNRWA employees in the attacks. In order to protect the agency’s ability to deliver humanitarian assistance, Lazzarini made the decision to terminate the contracts of these staff members and launch an immediate investigation to establish the truth.
While Lazzarini did not disclose the number of employees allegedly involved or the nature of their alleged involvement, he emphasized that any UNRWA employee found to be involved in acts of terror would be held accountable, including through criminal prosecution.
The announcement by UNRWA has drawn attention from various parties. Israeli government spokesperson Eylon Levy accused UNRWA of releasing the news at a time when the world’s focus was on the World Court’s order for Israel to prevent acts of genocide against Palestinians and provide more assistance to civilians in Gaza.
Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, has been briefed about the allegations. Guterres’ spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, stated that the Secretary-General was horrified by the news. Dujarric added that Guterres had requested Lazzarini to conduct a thorough investigation and terminate the employment of any UNRWA employee found to have participated or abetted the October 7 attacks. These individuals would also be referred for potential criminal prosecution. Dujarric further announced that an urgent and comprehensive independent review of UNRWA would be conducted.
UNRWA, which relies on donations from countries such as the United States, Germany, and the European Union, has repeatedly expressed concerns about its capacity to provide humanitarian assistance to people in Gaza. The US State Department expressed extreme concern over the allegations, stating that they pertain to 12 UNRWA employees. As a result, the department has temporarily paused additional funding to the agency until the allegations are addressed.
The European Union’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, stated that they would assess further steps and draw lessons based on the outcome of the full and comprehensive investigation.
Established in 1949 after the first Arab-Israeli war, UNRWA offers various services, including schooling, primary healthcare, and humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon.
Israeli authorities, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have accused UNRWA of fueling anti-Israeli incitement. However, UNRWA denies these allegations. Despite the ongoing investigation, UNRWA has continued to provide aid and use its facilities to shelter people fleeing the Israeli offensive in Gaza following the October 7 attacks.
Israel’s offensive has caused significant destruction in the densely populated Gaza Strip and resulted in the deaths of more than 26,000 Palestinians, according to health officials in the territory.
The investigation into the alleged involvement of UNRWA employees in the October 7 attacks is a significant development. It highlights the need for accountability and transparency within humanitarian organizations. The outcome of the investigation will determine the future actions taken by UNRWA and its donors.