It’s right to probe UNRWA’s problems – yet what would replace it? Its critics have no answer

Palestinians fleeing Israeli attacks on Gaza seek refuge at an UNRWA camp in Khan Younis. Photograph: Anadolu Agency/Anadolu/Getty Images

Following allegations by Israeli intelligence that 12 employees of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) participated in the violence initiated by Hamas on 7 October, and that UNRWA staff have ties to militants, many countries have halted their financial contributions to the agency.

Within Israel, the reaction to criticism of UNRWA has largely been one of vindication. The energy minister, Eli Cohen, said “the true face of UNRWA has been exposed!” The foreign minister, Israel Katz, cancelled a meeting with the UNRWA commissioner-general, Philippe Lazzarini, and wrote that “supporters of terrorism are not welcome here”. Israel Today’s senior diplomatic commentator, Ariel Kahana, wrote that UNRWA is “perpetuating the conflict”, and that Israel has its first opportunity in 75 years to replace the agency, adding: “We must not pass up on it.”