JERUSALEM (AP) — The United Nations has taken action against additional staff members from its agency for Palestinian refugees following an internal investigation that suggested their possible involvement in the Hamas-led Oct. 7 attack against Israel. The U.N. secretary-general’s office confirmed the decision to dismiss these employees, without providing specific details on their alleged roles in the attack or the evidence that led to their termination.
Previously, 12 UNRWA staffers were fired, and seven were placed on unpaid administrative leave in connection with the same claims. The latest group of nine dismissed employees includes individuals from both previously affected groups, according to UNRWA's communications director.
The U.N. did not disclose the total number of staff members who have been fired from the agency in relation to this incident.
Israel had accused 12 UNRWA staffers of involvement in the Oct. 7 attack, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people and the abduction of around 250 others. This led major donor countries to temporarily suspend funding for UNRWA, causing a financial shortfall of approximately $450 million. All donor countries, except the U.S., have since decided to resume funding.
Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson reiterated calls for donor countries to halt funding to UNRWA, citing concerns that the funds could support terrorist activities. The Israeli official stated that UNRWA should be replaced by other agencies to better serve the interests of Israel, Gaza, and the region.
The U.N.'s Office of Internal Oversight Services, responsible for investigating UNRWA, relied on evidence provided by Israeli authorities, as well as internal UNRWA data, to identify potential involvement of nine employees in the attack. The investigators were unable to independently verify the evidence provided by Israel.
UNRWA's head emphasized the agency's commitment to providing essential services to Palestinian refugees amidst the ongoing conflict and regional instability. He condemned the Oct. 7 attack and stressed the importance of continuing humanitarian aid efforts.
While nine employees were dismissed due to evidence of potential involvement, the investigation found insufficient evidence in nine other cases, and no evidence in one case. UNRWA has been a key provider of aid to Palestinians in Gaza during the current conflict, which has resulted in a significant loss of life and a humanitarian crisis.
Israel has long accused UNRWA of collaborating with Hamas and has intensified calls for the agency's closure. UNRWA denies these allegations and highlights the challenges it faces, including the loss of staff and damage to its facilities during the conflict.
