Israeli authorities have alleged that a worker for the UN’s Palestinian aid agency killed in central Gaza on Wednesday was also a Hamas commander. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Israeli Security Agency claimed that Mohammad Abu Etewi, who was employed by UNRWA, was involved in the murder and abduction of Israeli civilians on October 7.
According to the Israeli authorities, Abu Etewi led an attack on a bomb shelter in Re’im, southern Israel, on October 7, 2023, and continued to direct and carry out attacks on IDF troops during the conflict. UNRWA confirmed that Abu Etewi was on a list of employees alleged by Israel to be members of Hamas' military wing but stated that Israel did not provide further information for investigation.
Israeli authorities released photos of a man they claim to be Abu Etewi participating in the October 7 attacks, though the authenticity of the images could not be independently verified. IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari mentioned that the bomb shelter attacked by Abu Etewi was where hostages were taken captive.
Members of Abu Etewi’s family denied any connection to Hamas, describing him as an agency employee and driver who served by transporting aid to refugees and schools. The family emphasized that Abu Etewi was not involved in frontline combat or any militant activities.
