In a significant move, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency(UNRWA) for Palestine Refugees in the Near East has terminated the contracts of nine staff members following an investigation into their potential involvement in the October 7 Hamas-led assault on Israel. This development marks a critical ongoing scrutiny of UNRWA’s operations and the broader geopolitical tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Investigation and Findings
The UN Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS), the UN’s highest investigative body, launched a probe earlier this year after Israel accused several UNRWA employees of participating in the brutal attack that resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 Israelis and the abduction of 250 others. While OIOS could not independently verify all the information provided by Israel, it concluded that there was sufficient evidence to suggest the involvement of nine UNRWA staff members in the attack.
Farhan Haq, the UN Deputy Spokesperson, highlighted the thorough nature of the investigation, which included visits to Israel and Jordan, examination of internal UNRWA records, and consultations with various stakeholders. Despite these efforts, much of the evidence remained in Israeli custody, limiting the investigators' ability to fully authenticate it.
Actions Taken
In response to the OIOS findings, UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini announced the termination of the nine staff members. Lazzarini emphasized the agency’s commitment to maintaining neutrality and integrity, stating,
In the case of these remaining nine staff members, they cannot work for UNRWA. All contracts of these staff members will be terminated in the interest of the Agency.
The UN’s swift action reflects its zero-tolerance policy towards any involvement in acts of terrorism, aiming to preserve the trust and confidence of the international community and its donor nations.
Broader Implications
The allegations and subsequent firings have had significant repercussions for UNRWA. Following the accusations in January, several major donor countries, including the United States, suspended their funding, leading to a severe financial shortfall. Although most countries have since resumed their contributions, the US continues to withhold funding, impacting UNRWA’s capacity to deliver critical services.
Israel’s response to the UN’s findings has been continued criticism. Israeli officials have long accused UNRWA of being working together with Hamas. Oren Marmorstein, spokesperson for Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, raising calls for donor countries to cease funding the agency. "UNRWA is part of the problem and not part of the solution", Marmorstein stated, advocating for the agency’s activities to be replaced by other organizations.
Humanitarian Context
UNRWA’s role remains pivotal in the region, especially amidst the ongoing conflict. The agency provides essential services such as education, healthcare, and humanitarian aid to millions of Palestinian refugees across Gaza, the West Bank, and neighboring countries. The recent conflict has expanded the humanitarian crisis, with Gaza health officials reporting over 39,600 Palestinian casualties since the hostilities began.
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Despite the allegations and financial challenges, UNRWA continues to operate under extremely difficult conditions, with over 200 of its staff members killed and 190 of its facilities damaged during the conflict. Lazzarini reaffirmed UNRWA’s commitment to its mission, condemning the October 7 attack and calling for the immediate release of all hostages.
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