The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) says it has terminated several employees that were allegedly involved in the October 7 massacre against Israel by Hamas. Information provided by Israel revealed their alleged involvement in the terrorist attacks. As a result, the U.S. State Department has announced a temporary pause in funding for UNRWA as it conducts a review of the situation.
The UNRWA, responsible for delivering aid to Palestinians across Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon, is the largest recipient of U.S. funding, receiving $343 million in 2022. The termination of employees came after Israel presented evidence of their involvement in Hamas’s attack, prompting UNRWA Commissioner General Philippe Lazzarini to take swift action.
In a statement, Lazzarini said, “To protect the Agency’s ability to deliver humanitarian assistance, I have taken the decision to immediately terminate the contracts of these staff members and launch an investigation.” He emphasized that any UNRWA employee found to be involved in acts of terror would be held accountable, potentially facing criminal prosecution.
The U.S. State Department, indicating that twelve UNRWA employees were allegedly part of the October 7 attacks, announced the temporary suspension of funding. Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged the UN to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter during a conversation with U.N. chief Antonio Guterres.
National Review reports that while the Trump administration cut off all funding to UNRWA in 2018, citing disproportionate budgetary contributions from the U.S., Blinken reinstated funding three years later, emphasizing the need for organizational reforms. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller reiterated that UNRWA remains a critical partner in providing lifesaving assistance to Palestinians.
Over the years, UNRWA has faced criticism for its alleged involvement in distributing materials that glorify terrorism, with evidence suggesting that Hamas has used UNRWA-operated facilities for military purposes. Despite previous denials and attacks on critics, the recent development has heightened concerns about the agency’s role.
In December, an Israeli reporter claimed that a hostage released by Hamas was held by an UNRWA teacher. UNRWA responded by criticizing the reporter’s “unsubstantiated claim,” reflecting its combative stance against allegations. The UN has also pushed back against research by watchdog group U.N. Watch, which presented evidence of UNRWA staffers endorsing jihadism.