UNRWA Fires 70 Gaza Staff Amid Allegations of Hamas Ties
UNRWA fires 70 Gaza staffers amid – The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has dismissed 70 employees in Gaza, responding to claims that they were linked to Hamas. In a statement released Friday, the agency clarified that these terminations were not an admission of guilt but a necessary step to mitigate risks to refugees and staff. UNRWA reiterated its commitment to maintaining neutrality and emphasized its ongoing efforts to verify allegations raised by Israeli officials.
USAID Probe and Hamas Connections
A recent investigation by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) identified over 100 UNRWA staff members in Gaza as potential targets for suspension or removal. The findings, published on June 5, highlighted several individuals who were allegedly involved in Hamas’ military and civilian operations. For instance, a deputy school principal was found to have served as a commander in the al-Qassam battalion, while a teacher was accused of being a Hamas sniper. Additionally, multiple educators and principals were linked to the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks, according to the report.
“The responsibility to purge terrorism lies with the UN, yet Hamas membership is still acceptable within UNRWA’s ranks. By allowing terrorists to operate from UNRWA facilities, the agency has effectively become an extension of Hamas,”
the Israeli Foreign Ministry stated in a January social media post. This criticism challenges UNRWA’s assertion that the firings were unrelated to guilt, as Israeli forces claimed the agency’s infrastructure had been used for attacks. Some civilians in Gaza also accused UNRWA of being a de facto Hamas branch, amplifying the controversy around its role in the region.
Israel’s Claims of UNRWA’s Involvement
Israeli authorities have long argued that UNRWA indirectly supports Hamas through its presence in Gaza. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) noted in a January statement that evidence has emerged of Hamas using UNRWA schools and administrative buildings for operations. According to Israeli intelligence, approximately 12% of the 12,521 UNRWA staff in Gaza are affiliated with Hamas or other terrorist groups. This has raised concerns about the agency’s ability to remain neutral while providing aid to Palestinian civilians.
“Since October 7, there has been clear evidence of Hamas exploiting UNRWA infrastructure and employees involved in terrorist activities. Civilians in Gaza have even described UNRWA as an arm of Hamas,”
the IDF wrote, reinforcing its belief that the agency’s operations are compromised. The conflict between UNRWA and Israel has intensified, with the U.S. administration considering sanctions against the agency for its alleged ties to terrorism. These tensions highlight the growing scrutiny over UNRWA’s role in the region.
UNRWA’s Defense of Neutrality
UNRWA defended its actions, stating that it is not a direct collaborator with Hamas but must work with the group to achieve its humanitarian mission in Gaza. The agency explained that it lacks police or intelligence capabilities and relies on cooperation from states like Israel to protect its operations. “UNRWA, like other UN agencies, depends on the assistance of member states to ensure safety and neutrality in high-risk areas,”
“it said, arguing that its collaboration with Hamas is a practical necessity rather than a sign of guilt.”
Despite this, critics argue that the agency’s partnership with Hamas has enabled the group to use UNRWA as a channel for its activities. The Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) recently announced the results of an investigation into 19 employees accused of involvement in the Oct. 7 attacks. Of these, 12 had already been dismissed in January, while one case was closed due to lack of evidence. Six cases remain under review, according to UNRWA.
Political Backing and Future Implications
The dispute has drawn political attention, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio labeling UNRWA as “a subsidiary of Hamas” during a December speech. This echoed earlier criticisms from the Trump administration, which had considered imposing sanctions on the agency for its alleged ties to terrorism. While UNRWA maintains that its firings were driven by safety concerns, the political fallout underscores the growing pressure on the agency to prove its independence.
UNRWA’s decision to terminate 70 Gaza staff members reflects its efforts to address accusations of Hamas involvement. However, the agency faces ongoing challenges in balancing its humanitarian mission with the need to avoid being perceived as a political entity. As the situation evolves, the international community will likely continue to monitor UNRWA’s actions and their implications for aid delivery in Gaza.
