The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has terminated 70 of its Gaza-based employees. This follows ongoing accusations by Israeli authorities linking the agency to the Hamas group.
UNRWA’s interim Commissioner-General, Christian Saunders, decided to proceed with the terminations. The agency emphasized this action does not imply admissions of wrongdoing. Instead, it was a measure to ensure the safety and security of the refugees served by the agency and its own personnel.
Today, the Commissioner-General ad interim of UNRWA, Christian Saunders, took the decision to terminate the employment of 70 UNRWA staff members in Gaza with immediate effect,” UNRWA explained in its statement.
According to UNRWA, it requested evidence from Israeli authorities regarding individual staff allegations but has received no response.
The dismissals come after an investigation by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). This investigation recommended over 100 UNRWA employees for suspension or dismissal, reporting that they were linked to Hamas activities.
The USAID investigation highlighted cases, such as a deputy school principal who was an al-Qassam deputy company commander, another who was a squad leader, and a teacher with sniper expertise in Hamas.
Israel has long accused UNRWA of being intertwined with Hamas. Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have cited instances where UNRWA infrastructure was used by Hamas. They also claim that a portion of UNRWA employees are linked to Hamas or similar groups.
Israeli Foreign Ministry has criticized UNRWA’s response to dismissals. The ministry expressed concern over UNRWA’s statement, suggesting it downplayed the severity of alleged Hamas ties without using specific mentions.
UNRWA’s statement on the termination of 70 employees, while blaming the victim, Israel, and without even mentioning the word ‘Hamas,’ is a cynical cover-up,” the ministry commented.
UNRWA argues that engaging with Hamas is essential for aid distribution in Gaza. The agency lacks enforcement and intelligence capabilities and relies on cooperation from member states, including Israel.
Further investigations by UNRWA’s Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) led to 12 dismissals in January amid similar allegations. Other cases remain under review.
In previous instances, such as April’s OIOS announcement, the agency has maintained its commitment to neutrality and operational continuity under complex circumstances.
Despite allegations, UNRWA maintains that its ultimate goal is to assist refugees while navigating the challenges in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.