Israel-Gaza war: UN agency sacks staff suspected of role in October 7 Hamas attacks
- UNRWA, the world body’s agency for Palestinian refugees, has opened an investigation into the employees in light of information from Israeli authorities
- The US says it is extremely troubled by the allegations and will provide no additional funding to UNRWA until the accusations are addressed
The United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) said on Friday it had opened an investigation into several employees suspected of involvement in the October 7 attacks in Israel by Hamas and that it had severed ties with those staff members.
“The Israeli authorities have provided UNRWA with information about the alleged involvement of several UNRWA employees in the horrific attacks on Israel on October 7,” UNRWA Commissioner General Philippe Lazzarini said.
“To protect the agency’s ability to deliver humanitarian assistance, I have taken the decision to immediately terminate the contracts of these staff members and launch an investigation in order to establish the truth without delay.”
Lazzarini did not disclose the number of employees allegedly involved in the attacks, nor the nature of their alleged involvement. He said, however, that “any UNRWA employee who was involved in acts of terror” would be held accountable, including through criminal prosecution.
A spokesperson for UNRWA would not provide further detail on the situation.