U.N. investigators are looking into allegations against 14 of the 19 staffers from the U.N. relief agency for Palestinians who Israel claims were involved in the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas militants that spurred the latest war in Gaza. The investigation was ordered by Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, and the U.N.’s internal watchdog, the Office of Internal Oversight Services, is conducting the probe. Of the 19 allegations against UNRWA agency staffers, one case was closed due to lack of evidence, and four others were suspended for the same reason. The agency had initially terminated the contracts of all employees involved in the attack.
A separate, independent review of UNRWA’s neutrality, led by former French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna, was released recently. The review stated that Israel had not previously expressed concerns about anyone on the staff lists provided by UNRWA since 2011. UNRWA has 32,000 staff in various locations, including Gaza, providing services to millions of Palestinians. The agency’s head, Philippe Lazzarini, reported that nearly 180 UNRWA staffers were killed during the Israeli offensive in Gaza, which had a high civilian death toll, according to the Health Ministry in Gaza.
Israel’s original allegations resulted in the suspension of contributions to UNRWA by the United States and several other countries, causing a pause in funding worth about $450 million. While some countries have resumed contributions, the U.S. Congress has suspended funding for the agency until March 2025. Guterres and Lazzarini have urged donors to support UNRWA generously, as the agency currently only has enough funding to operate through June. Colonna’s report highlighted gaps in implementing UNRWA’s neutrality procedures and made 50 recommendations for improvement, which are being pledged to implement.
The investigation into the 14 staffers by OIOS is ongoing, with no indication of when it will be completed or further details on the allegations provided. Eight of the initial 12 cases remain under investigation, while three have been suspended, and one staffer has been cleared. UNRWA’s Lazzarini stated that any staff members cleared by OIOS would be reinstated. Of the seven additional cases brought to the U.N.’s attention after January, six are still under investigation, and one has been suspended pending further information. Discussions with Israeli authorities are ongoing to facilitate progress in the investigations.
The situation involving the allegations against the UNRWA staffers remains complex and ongoing. The U.N. is actively working with Israeli authorities and conducting investigations to address the claims. Despite challenges, efforts are being made to uphold UNRWA’s neutrality and ensure its operations can continue to provide essential services to Palestinians in need. The outcome of the investigations and the implementation of recommendations to improve neutrality will be key factors in determining the future of UNRWA and its ability to receive support from donors and member states.
