The UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) announced the dismissal of several employees allegedly involved in the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel.
UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini imparted that information regarding the suspected involvement of these employees in the attacks had been provided by Israeli authorities. He added that the contracts of the mentioned staff members have been terminated immediately and an investigation has been launched to establish the facts without delay.
“Anyone who betrays the fundamental values of the United Nations also betrays those whom we serve in Gaza,” the Commissioner-General stated. He also expressed UNRWA’s condemnation of the attacks and appealed for the release of Israeli hostages held captive by Hamas in Gaza.
The allegations have caught the attention of the US, one of Israel’s longstanding allies. US Department of State Spokesperson Matthew Miller stated that the country would be temporarily halting additional funding for UNRWA until a thorough investigation on the allegations is completed. He also mentioned a conversation between US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and UN Secretary General António Guterres, underscoring the need for a swift and comprehensive inquiry into the allegations.
In response to these developments, the Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant expressed gratitude towards the US decision to pause its funding. The minister was also critical of UNRWA and tweeted, “At least a dozen UNRWA employees participated in the horrific attack conducted on October 7th – these are “humanitarian workers” with blood on their hands.”
These developments emerge amidst an escalating tension between Israel and the UN following Israel’s declaration of war on Hamas. As tensions escalated, the UN Security Council voted in favor of a resolution to increase humanitarian aid to Gaza and call for a “sustainable cessation of hostilities”. This move met with criticism from Israel.
UN Secretary-General Guterres previously voiced concerns over the high number of UN employees killed during the war against Hamas and described Israel’s offensive as creating “massive obstacles to the distribution of humanitarian aid inside Gaza.” Meanwhile, Israel has made serious steps against UN officials, announcing refusals to extend visas and even meet with certain individuals.
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