UNRWA Dismisses 70 Gaza Staff Amid Claims of Hamas Connections
UNRWA fires 70 Gaza staffers amid – The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has taken disciplinary action by terminating the employment of 70 staff members stationed in the Gaza Strip, following persistent allegations from Israeli officials that the agency is linked to the Hamas militant group. According to a statement released on Friday, UNRWA’s interim commissioner-general, Christian Saunders, made the decision to fire the employees immediately. The agency emphasized that this move was not an acknowledgment of guilt but a strategic effort to reduce potential threats to both the refugees it serves and its own personnel.
In its announcement, UNRWA stated, “The dismissals are intended to mitigate safety and security risks for the refugees under our mandate and for UNRWA staff and facilities.” The agency also noted that it had repeatedly requested the Israeli authorities to provide evidence supporting the claims against individual staff members. Despite these requests, UNRWA reported no formal response from the Israeli side, leaving the allegations unproven. “The removal of these employees does not validate the accusations made against them,” the statement clarified.
USAID Investigation Unveils Links Between UNRWA and Hamas Operations
The recent firings by UNRWA are linked to an investigation conducted by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). USAID’s findings, published on June 5, revealed that a significant number of UNRWA’s employees were deeply involved in Hamas’s activities. The report highlighted several instances, including a deputy school principal who served as a commander in Hamas’s al-Qassam brigade and another who acted as a squad leader for the Khan Younis Brigade. Additionally, a teacher was identified as a sniper for the group, further substantiating the claims of operational ties.
UNRWA’s statement acknowledged the investigation but maintained that it was not a comprehensive process. “The results of the USAID inquiry are being used to justify the dismissals, yet they do not fully reflect the agency’s stance on collaboration with Hamas,” the statement noted. The agency argued that the investigations focused on specific individuals rather than the organization as a whole, and that these actions were taken to ensure the safety of both refugees and staff in a high-risk environment.
Israeli Authorities Link UNRWA to Hamas, Cite Evidence of Infrastructure Use
Israeli officials have long asserted that UNRWA is complicit in Hamas’s activities. In a January web post, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated, “Since October 7, evidence has emerged showing that Hamas has exploited UNRWA infrastructure, with employees participating in terrorist operations. Civilians in Gaza have even claimed that UNRWA is Hamas.” This claim was supported by intelligence findings, which indicated that 12% of UNRWA’s 12,521 employees in Gaza—over 1,462 individuals—are affiliated with Hamas or other designated terrorist organizations.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry criticized UNRWA’s response, calling it a “cynical cover-up.” In a statement shared on X, the ministry wrote, “UNRWA’s defense blames Israel without addressing Hamas’s role. The responsibility to eliminate terrorism lies with the UN, yet Hamas membership is still acceptable within the agency.” The ministry accused UNRWA of allowing its facilities to function as a base for Hamas, effectively turning the organization into an extension of the militant group’s operations.
UNRWA Defends Its Role, Calls for Continued Collaboration
In its statement, UNRWA defended its actions by highlighting the necessity of working with local groups to deliver aid in Gaza. “Like other United Nations entities, UNRWA lacks police or intelligence capabilities,” the agency explained. “To protect its operations and maintain neutrality, it must rely on the cooperation of Member States, including Israel as the occupying power.” This argument underscores the agency’s position that its collaboration with Hamas is a practical measure rather than a deliberate alliance.
The agency also pointed to its own internal investigation, conducted by the Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS), which was announced in April. The probe examined 19 employees accused of involvement in the Oct. 7 attacks. UNRWA reported that 12 of these individuals had already been dismissed in January, while seven others were still under review. One case was closed due to insufficient evidence, and the remaining six were being evaluated for potential further action. The OIOS findings were described as a critical step in addressing the alleged ties between UNRWA and Hamas, though the agency stopped short of admitting fault.
Political Pressure and International Scrutiny
The controversy surrounding UNRWA has intensified in recent months, with political leaders in the United States expressing concerns about its neutrality. During the Trump administration, officials considered imposing sanctions on the agency for its alleged ties to Hamas. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in particular, referred to UNRWA as “a subsidiary of Hamas,” a characterization that has fueled debate about the organization’s role in Gaza.
UNRWA’s critics argue that the agency’s reliance on Israeli cooperation makes it vulnerable to accusations of complicity. However, the organization maintains that its primary goal is to provide humanitarian aid, and that its partnerships with local groups are essential for operating in a conflict zone. “The current situation in Gaza requires UNRWA to work closely with all stakeholders to ensure the delivery of essential services,” the agency stated in its Friday release. This perspective highlights the delicate balance UNRWA must strike between maintaining its mission and addressing security concerns raised by Israel.
Meanwhile, the debate over UNRWA’s role has drawn attention from international media and watchdog groups. Some analysts suggest that the agency’s infrastructure has been a target for Hamas, with reports indicating that aid supplies were redirected from civilians to support militant activities. This has led to accusations that UNRWA’s neutrality is being compromised, even as it continues to provide critical assistance to over a million Palestinians in the region.
UNRWA’s Commitment to Transparency and Accountability
Despite the criticisms, UNRWA has emphasized its commitment to transparency and accountability. The agency stated that it would continue to investigate all allegations and take appropriate measures to safeguard its operations. “We are dedicated to ensuring that our staff uphold the highest standards of conduct while serving the needs of the Palestinian people,” the statement read. This resolve comes amid ongoing pressure from both Israeli authorities and international observers, who are calling for a thorough review of UNRWA’s practices in Gaza.
As the situation in Gaza remains volatile, the question of UNRWA’s role in the conflict continues to dominate discussions. The agency’s decision to terminate 70 employees has sparked debates about its independence and whether it is being used as a tool for political purposes. While UNRWA insists that its actions are driven by the need to protect refugees and personnel, Israeli officials and some critics argue that the agency’s ties to Hamas are too strong to ignore. The next steps in this dispute will likely depend on the outcomes of ongoing investigations and the broader geopolitical dynamics shaping the region’s humanitarian efforts.
Currently, UNRWA is working to address the concerns raised by its critics. The agency has reiterated its dedication to maintaining neutrality and has pledged to continue its aid distribution efforts. However, the recent dismissals have left many wondering about the implications for the organization’s credibility. As the situation evolves, the balance between operational necessity and accountability will remain a central issue in the ongoing scrutiny of UNRWA’s activities in Gaza.
Fox News Digital reached out to UNRWA and a spokesperson for the Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations but did not receive an immediate response. This delay in communication has only added to the uncertainty surrounding the agency’s actions. With the international community divided on the issue, the future of UNRWA’s operations in Gaza—and its relationship with Hamas—will likely remain a topic of intense debate.
