UNRWA Commissioner General Philippe Lazzarini announced the immediate termination of several staff members implicated in the October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel. This decision was taken to safeguard the agency’s ability to deliver humanitarian aid. The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed horror at the allegations and emphasized the need for swift investigation and accountability, including potential criminal prosecution.
The attack, attributed to Hamas, led to the deaths of 1,200 people and the hostage-taking of 240 individuals. In response to these developments, the U.S. State Department, a significant funder of UNRWA, has temporarily paused additional funding to the agency, pending a thorough review of the allegations and the UN’s response. The U.S. is seeking more information from Israel regarding these allegations and has informed Congress.
This situation has reignited long-standing criticisms of UNRWA by Israel, which has accused the agency of being infiltrated by Hamas and promoting anti-Israel sentiments.
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