The U.N. has terminated nine staff members from its agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, following an internal investigation that linked them to the Hamas-led Oct. 7 attack against Israel.
The U.N. secretary-general’s office announced the decision in a brief statement to journalists on Monday, without providing further details on the staffers’ involvement in the attack. This action included seven employees who had been dismissed earlier due to similar allegations.
Israel had accused 12 UNRWA staff members of participation in the Oct. 7 attack that resulted in the death of 1,200 people and the abduction of around 250 others. Since then, all major donor countries except the U.S. have resumed funding for UNRWA, which plays a crucial role in providing aid to Palestinians in Gaza amidst the ongoing conflict.
The U.N.’s internal watchdog, the Office of Internal Oversight Services, relied on information provided by Israeli authorities during the investigation. While they could not independently verify the evidence, they found enough proof implicating nine employees in the attack.
Philippe Lazzarini, the head of UNRWA, stated, “I have determined that these nine staff members cannot continue working for UNRWA.” He emphasized the agency’s commitment to delivering essential services to Palestine refugees in Gaza and beyond, especially in the current crisis and rising regional tensions.
Regarding the remaining cases, the watchdog found insufficient evidence in nine instances, while one case lacked any indication of involvement.
For more related stories, visit: US and allies prepare to defend Israel as Netanyahu says it’s already in ‘multi-front war’ with Iran and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh is killed in Iran by an alleged Israeli strike
