A recent United Nations (UN) investigation has unveiled that nine employees from the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) may have been involved in the October 7 attack in Israel. This incident, which resulted in the tragic loss of over 1,200 lives, has significantly impacted the agency and raised serious concerns about the conduct of its staff. Following the allegations, these individuals are no longer employed by UNRWA, according to a statement provided to CNN.
UNRWA, an agency established by the UN in the aftermath of the 1948 Arab-Israeli war, employs approximately 14,000 staff members in Gaza alone. The organisation is a major provider of humanitarian aid and services to Palestinian refugees, and many of its employees are themselves refugees. The investigation into the involvement of UNRWA staff in the October attack was initiated after Israel accused some of the agency’s employees of participating in the assault. Although the UN investigators could not directly interview the accused individuals, some responded to written queries.
The UN’s Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) led the investigation, examining the cases of 19 employees who were accused by Israel. Of these, the evidence suggested that nine staff members might have been involved in the armed attacks. Consequently, these individuals have been dismissed from their roles at UNRWA. In several other cases, the evidence was deemed insufficient to justify termination, though the agency has stated that “appropriate measures will be taken in due course.”
The revelations have sparked outrage, particularly from Israeli officials. In a statement on social media platform X, an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson, Nadav Shoshani, criticised UNRWA, accusing the agency of harbouring individuals involved in what he described as the “largest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust.” This strong condemnation underscores the severe implications of the allegations, both for UNRWA’s reputation and its operational standing.
UNRWA was founded with a mission to provide essential services to Palestinian refugees, including education, healthcare, and emergency relief. It has grown into a significant employer within the Palestinian community, with over 30,000 employees across the Middle East. However, the agency’s role has often been controversial, particularly in the context of the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict. The recent accusations have only intensified the scrutiny on UNRWA, with several of its major donor countries withdrawing financial support in response to the allegations. While some of this funding has since been reinstated, the agency continues to face significant challenges, especially with the ongoing regional instability.
In response to the investigation’s findings, UNRWA’s Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini emphasised the agency’s commitment to upholding the fundamental principles and values of the United Nations, including the crucial humanitarian principle of neutrality. He stated that the agency’s priority remains the delivery of lifesaving and critical services to Palestinian refugees, despite the ongoing war and regional tensions. Lazzarini’s statement highlights the difficult balance UNRWA must maintain between its humanitarian mission and the political realities of the region.
The situation remains complex, with further investigations likely. The OIOS has indicated that while they reviewed communications and media reports related to the accused, they did not meet the accused individuals in person due to safety concerns. Some of the accused provided video-recorded statements responding to the allegations, but the full extent of their involvement in the October 7 attack remains unclear. As the investigation continues, the future of UNRWA and its role in the region’s humanitarian efforts will undoubtedly be under intense international scrutiny.
