U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres defended UNRWA’s operations in Gaza, stating that only “a few elements” of the organization were affiliated with Hamas. Israeli ambassador to the U.N. Danny Danon claimed that UNRWA is completely taken over by Hamas, but Guterres denied this, saying there is no evidence to support Israel’s claims. He admitted that Hamas had infiltrated the organization, but condemned their actions. Guterres emphasized that UNRWA has never provided any support to Hamas and disputed allegations of deep ties between the two entities.
Israel has continued to accuse UNRWA of being closely linked to Hamas, with Defense Minister Danon stating that “dozens” of UNRWA staff took part in Hamas’ massacre on October 7. Israel defended an airstrike on a Gaza school run by UNRWA, claiming that the individuals killed were terrorists with ties to Hamas. The IDF alleged that the school was being used as a command center by Hamas. Recent reports indicated that UNRWA had to fire nine employees due to their suspected involvement in the October 7 massacre, leading to the suspension of funding from the U.S.
The U.S. suspended funding to UNRWA due to its employees’ role in the October 7 massacre. President Biden had initially reinstated aid to the organization upon taking office, following a decision by former President Trump to defund UNRWA in 2018. Danon accused the U.N. and Guterres of ignoring the organization’s ties to Hamas, calling for action to address the issue. The dispute between Israel and the U.N. over UNRWA’s alleged connections to Hamas has raised concerns about the agency’s operations in Gaza and the implications for stability in the region.
The controversy surrounding UNRWA’s alleged affiliation with Hamas has sparked a debate between Israel and the U.N. over the organization’s role in the conflict. Guterres defended UNRWA’s work in Gaza while acknowledging the infiltration of Hamas elements within the organization. Israel’s accusations of UNRWA staff participating in terrorist activities have raised questions about the agency’s ability to operate effectively in the region. The U.S. decision to suspend funding to UNRWA highlights the international implications of the dispute and the need for a comprehensive investigation into the allegations.
The Israeli Defense Forces’ claims that a Gaza school run by UNRWA was being used as a Hamas command center have added fuel to the controversy. The IDF’s actions against the school, which resulted in the deaths of individuals allegedly linked to Hamas, have further deepened the divide between Israel and the U.N. over UNRWA’s operations. The situation highlights the complex challenges facing humanitarian organizations operating in conflict zones and the need for transparency and accountability in their work. The ongoing dispute over UNRWA’s connections to Hamas underscores the larger tensions in the region and the impact on the lives of vulnerable populations in Gaza.
