UN Secretary-General António Guterres announced on Monday a review of whether the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinians in the Near East (UNRWA) is ensuring neutrality and properly responding to allegations of possible breaches. This announcement followed accusations from Israel that UNRWA was involved in the October 7 Hamas attacks. This accusation prompted a number of countries, including the US, to halt their funding to the agency.
Heading the independent review group is Catherine Colonna, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of France. She will be joined by three research organizations based in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. The group will be tasked with assessing and recommending improvements in four main areas involving UNRWA’s procedures and responses to allegations of wrongdoing.
The investigation has been launched during a time when UNRWA is functioning under challenging conditions to provide critical aid to 2 million people in the Gaza Strip. Based on a report from UNRWA, 75 percent of Gaza’s population has been displaced, and the agency stated that 152 of its employees had lost their lives during the conflict.
In response to the review, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz announced their intention to present evidence to the review group outlining UNRWA’s alleged ties to terrorism and the potential impact on regional stability. He also demanded the resignation of UNRWA Chairperson Philippe Lazzarini.
Work for the review group is scheduled to commence on February 14, with a final report expected in late April. Alongside this investigation, the UN Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) is conducting a separate investigation into allegations implicating 12 UNRWA personnel in the attacks on Israel.
For more details, read the full report on Jurist.org.