United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) Staff Involved in Attacks

UN Confirms Involvement of Employees in Hamas Attack

Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General António Guterres, has revealed that nine employees from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) participated in the Hamas attack on October 7.

This development comes after Israel’s previous suggestion to designate UNRWA as a terrorist organization, which was met with strong backlash. Critics accused Israel of perpetuating genocide and other severe allegations. Over recent months, numerous instances have been reported of UNRWA employees allegedly assisting Hamas, but those who brought these issues to light were often dismissed and labelled as “Zionist” or “far-right.”

The United Nations’ investigative body found evidence implicating nine UNRWA staff members in the October 7 attacks. Consequently, the UN has decided to terminate their contracts. However, Israel has identified a far larger number of UNRWA employees—approximately 100—who they claim are affiliated with Hamas.

In response to these findings, legislative actions are being taken in both Israel and the United States. Israeli lawmakers are considering a bill that would sever ties with UNRWA, while the US House Foreign Affairs Committee is drafting legislation to freeze funding for the agency.

The international community has shown varied reactions to the UN’s findings. Despite the United States suspending funding for UNRWA, countries such as Australia, Germany, Austria, Japan, and the European Union have continued or resumed their financial support for the agency.

Penny Wong, the Australian Foreign Minister, has continued and even increased donations to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). After a temporary pause due to allegations of misconduct involving UNRWA staff, Australia has resumed its funding. The Australian government has committed $6 million to support UNRWA’s emergency operations.

Additionally, Australia has doubled its core funding to UNRWA to $20 million, recognizing the agency’s crucial role in providing relief and social services to Palestinian refugees​

This revelation adds a significant layer of complexity to the already tense relations in the region and highlights the ongoing controversy surrounding UNRWA’s role and activities in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.