A United Nations agency is under scrutiny by U.S. officials due to alleged links to terrorism. The U.N. Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which aids Palestinian refugees, has over 1,500 employees being investigated for potential connections to terrorism.
U.S. officials have urged U.N. member states to cut funding to UNRWA, citing concerns over school materials promoting violence, Hamas tunnels under UNRWA schools, and staff involvement in Hamas attacks against Israel on October 7.
US Urges Donors to Cut UNRWA Funding
An image from a media tour shows Israeli soldiers in UNRWA’s evacuated compound in Gaza City. The U.N. investigated these claims through its Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) but found insufficient evidence for 10 of 19 accused employees. Nine employees were dismissed.
The USAID Office of the Inspector General continues to investigate the 1,500 employees and referred 108 current or former UNRWA staff to the State Department for potential exclusion from U.S.-funded organizations. These staff reportedly participated in Hamas’s invasion of southern Israel or were affiliated with terrorist groups.
U.S. Investigation Critical
A senior U.S. official told Fox News Digital that the USAID OIG investigation goes beyond the U.N.’s efforts by considering more than October 7 involvement. The official emphasized the importance of ensuring U.S. taxpayers do not fund salaries of aid workers involved with foreign terrorist organizations.
Hamas, labeled a Foreign Terrorist Organization in 1997 and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist group in 2001, has further fueled these concerns.
Hamas’s Influence
The USAID OIG noted that staff referred for debarment included school principals, teachers, security, and medical professionals, some with ties to Hamas military roles.
For example, a teacher reportedly moved anti-tank missiles for the October 7 attacks, while some staff had roles mirroring military commands under school facades.
Further Action Anticipated
The USAID OIG plans more referrals and potential criminal cases. As of now, UNRWA principal Hafez Mousa Mohammed Mousa is banned from U.S. government work for collaborating with Hamas during the attacks.
Photos illustrate Israeli military’s claims of Hamas operatives within a Rafah UNRWA compound.
Political Responses
The State Department noted more than 100 UNRWA employees involved in the October attack. President Trump and Secretary Rubio have declared that no State Department funds will go to an agency infiltrated by Hamas.
The Board of Peace commented on the situation, asserting UNRWA’s activities challenge the safety and prosperity of Gazans. They stressed the need for responsible transition to maintain essential services.
Senate Oversight
Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chair, Senator Jim Risch, highlighted the issue of UNRWA infiltration, pledging to address systemic radicalization with the U.S. Ambassador to the U.N.
Ambassador Jeff Bartos, representing U.S. management in the U.N., addressed a June meeting, urging member states to reconsider supporting an organization allegedly tied to Hamas and compromising Gaza’s future.
Humanitarian Complications
The U.N. condemned restrictions on aid operations in Gaza, with armed personnel disrupting a World Food Programme warehouse. These incidents have been described as reflecting a dangerous pattern impacting humanitarian activities.