What is known regarding Israel’s accusations against UN personnel in Gaza
The primary United Nations agency in Gaza is facing upheaval following Israel’s accusation that some of its staff members were involved in the October 7 terror attacks by Hamas. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has terminated several employees, and the US and other countries have suspended funding to the organization. UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated that nine out of the 12 UNRWA staff members implicated in the allegations have been fired, with one deceased and the identities of two others still under clarification.
Guterres emphasized that any UN employee involved in acts of terror would be held accountable, including through criminal prosecution, and an independent review is forthcoming. Despite the allegations, he urged countries to continue providing financial assistance to UNRWA, which supports two million Gazans dependent on critical aid for daily survival.
UNRWA, established after the 1948 Arab-Israeli war, provides humanitarian assistance for displaced Palestinians. The recent allegations involve unspecified staff members’ alleged involvement in the October 7 attacks, with Israel sharing information about 12 employees. The nature of their involvement has not been disclosed. In addition to the staff allegations, the Israel Defense Forces claimed that UNRWA facilities were used for “terrorist purposes.”
The strained relationship between Israel and the UN has worsened in recent months, with senior UN officials criticizing Israel’s actions in Gaza. Several Western countries, including the US, Canada, the UK, Germany, Switzerland, and the Netherlands, have suspended funding for UNRWA in response to the allegations. Norway has decided to continue financial support pending the investigation results.
UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini called the funding suspensions “shocking” and urged reconsideration, emphasizing the potential impact on humanitarian relief efforts in Gaza. Funding challenges have long plagued UNRWA, and the suspension raises concerns about its ability to assist people in Gaza, particularly given the growing fears of starvation.
