An Israeli document obtained on Monday has detailed allegations against twelve UN employees, claiming their involvement in Hamas’ October 7 assault. The document asserts that seven of them crossed into Israeli territory, with two allegedly participating in kidnappings during the attack.
These accusations against UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees) workers have led Western countries to freeze funds crucial for the organization. UNRWA, a lifeline for desperate Palestinians in Gaza, saw nine of the accused employees terminated, with the UN condemning the “abhorrent alleged acts” of its staff members.
Tensions between Israel and UNRWA have persisted over the years, particularly regarding the agency’s work in Gaza, where it employs around 13,000 people. Despite the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, major donors, including the US and Britain, have cut funding. On Monday, Japan and Austria joined in suspending assistance.
With a significant portion of its budget in jeopardy, UNRWA warns that it may have to halt operations within weeks if funding isn’t restored.
In the midst of these developments, cease-fire talks were held on Sunday, characterized by Israel as constructive, though “significant gaps” remain in reaching a potential agreement. These talks aim to provide relief to war-torn Gaza and secure the release of over 100 hostages still held in the territory.
Fighting continues, complicating aid efforts to the war-weary population in Gaza. Israel issued an evacuation order to residents in the western part of Gaza City, signaling ongoing battles in the northern Gaza area, which Israel had previously claimed to have military control over.
The conflict began with Hamas’ October 7 attack, resulting in 1,200 casualties, mainly civilians, and approximately 250 people taken captive, according to Israeli authorities.
The Israeli document, shared with US officials and obtained by The Associated Press, lists 12 individuals, their roles in the attack, job descriptions, and photos. The document alleges that at least 190 UNRWA workers were Hamas or Islamic Jihad operatives, without providing evidence.
Of the accused workers, nine were teachers, one a social worker, and seven were accused of crossing into Israel on October 7. Two of them were alleged to have kidnapped or assisted in abductions, and another two were said to have participated in raids on communal farming villages.
The accusations include arming oneself with an anti-tank missile, taking photos of a female hostage, participating in terror activities, and coordinating the movement of trucks or weapons used in the attack. Ten workers were listed as having ties to Hamas, and one to the Islamic Jihad militant group.
The names and photos of the accused workers could not immediately be verified. Two of the 12 have reportedly been killed, while one is still being identified, according to previous UN statements.
These allegations have intensified longstanding tensions between Israel and UNRWA, with Israel accusing Hamas of using the agency’s facilities for storing weapons or launching attacks. UNRWA contends that it does not knowingly tolerate such behavior and has internal safeguards to prevent abuses and discipline any wrongdoing.
Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA’s commissioner, has announced an external review of the agency’s operations and safeguards in response to the allegations.
Israel has long criticized UNRWA, accusing it of perpetuating the Palestinian refugee crisis. UNRWA argues that it addresses the significant needs of millions of Palestinians across the Middle East, exacerbated by the latest conflict.
The UN emphasizes that the entire agency should not be penalized for the actions of the dozen workers, asserting that they will be held accountable if the allegations are true. Calls have been made for donors to resume funding.
The United States, the largest donor to the agency, cut funding over the weekend, followed by several other countries, accounting for over 60% of UNRWA’s budget in 2022.
UNRWA provides essential services for Palestinian families who fled or were displaced during the 1948 war surrounding Israel’s creation. The refugees and their descendants constitute the majority of Gaza’s population.
Amid the ongoing conflict, most of Gaza’s 2.3 million people depend on UNRWA’s programs for survival, including food and shelter. A quarter of Gaza’s population is facing starvation due to fighting and Israeli restrictions hindering aid delivery, well below the daily average of 500 trucks before the war.
Communications Director Juliette Touma warned that the agency may be forced to cease its support in Gaza by the end of February.
