U.S. officials are investigating the U.N. Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for alleged terrorist connections. UNRWA, which is responsible for Palestinian refugees, has over 1,500 employees under scrutiny for links to terrorism.
Concerns have grown over UNRWA’s school materials promoting terror and claims that Hamas tunnels exist beneath its schools. There are also charges of staff involvement in Hamas’s Oct. 7 attack against Israel.
U.S. officials are urging U.N. states to withdraw funding from UNRWA, while the U.N. defends its mission.
The U.N. conducted an investigation through its Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) but found insufficient evidence against ten employees out of 19 investigated for involvement in the Oct. 7 attacks.
Nine employees were let go, but the USAID Office of the Inspector General (OIG) continues to probe 1,500 UNRWA staff, referring 108 to the State Department for suspension or exclusion.
A U.S. diplomatic official noted that investigations are crucial as U.S. taxpayer money should not fund terrorists.
UNRWA employees investigated include school principals, teachers, and security personnel. Allegations include involvement in the Hamas invasion or being members of terrorist groups.
In specific cases, certain individuals were involved with weaponry and military planning related to Hamas. For example, a teacher was found to have handled anti-tank missiles during the Oct. 7 attacks.
The State Department has banned certain individuals like UNRWA principal Hafez Mousa Mohammed Mousa, for his role in the Oct. 7 attacks.
Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman, Sen. Jim Risch, emphasized the need to address systemic radicalization within UNRWA facilities.
Ambassador Jeff Bartos stated at a U.N. meeting that U.N. member states can choose to stop supporting an organization that has become linked with Hamas.
While Dr. Ramiz Alakbarov of the U.N. condemned the obstruction of humanitarian efforts in Gaza by armed personnel, highlighting ongoing concerns post investigation.