The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has terminated employment for 70 of its staff members in the Gaza Strip. This decision follows persistent accusations by Israeli authorities labeling the agency as a collaborator with Hamas, a recognized terrorist organization.
In a statement released on Friday, UNRWA announced that Commissioner-General ad interim, Christian Saunders, made the decision to dismiss these employees immediately. The agency clarified that the move was not an acceptance of the allegations but rather a measure to address safety and security concerns for both the refugees they serve and the agency’s staff and facilities.
UNRWA has consistently sought evidence from Israeli authorities to validate claims against specific employees but has not received any responses. This tension escalated after findings from a United States Agency for International Development (USAID) investigation. The investigation highlighted over 100 UNRWA employees for possible suspension or dismissal, revealing some were involved in Hamas’ military activities.
A USAID report referenced roles such as a deputy school principal linked to the al-Qassam Brigades and a teacher trained as a sniper for Hamas.
Historically, Israeli authorities have accused UNRWA of association with Hamas. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) claim that evidence exists of numerous UNRWA staff being involved in terrorist activities since October 7. The IDF indicated that of the 12,521 UNRWA employees in Gaza, at least 1,462 are connected to Hamas or similar groups.
In response, Israel’s Foreign Ministry criticized UNRWA’s stance, pointing out their omission of the word ‘Hamas’ in official statements and describing it as a cover-up. The Ministry argued that UNRWA should purge terrorist affiliations within its ranks, suggesting the agency has become an extension of Hamas by hosting members and allowing its facilities to be used for militant purposes.
UNRWA denies facilitating collaboration with Hamas but acknowledges operational interactions are necessary to deliver aid effectively in Gaza. According to their statement, UNRWA operates without police or intelligence capabilities and relies on member states, including Israel, for safeguarding its operations in the region.
Earlier in the year, UNRWA’s Office of Internal Oversight Services reviewed charges against 19 employees related to October 7 events, resulting in 12 dismissals by January. Investigations for the remaining cases continue.
The Trump administration considered implementing terrorism-related sanctions against UNRWA, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio calling the agency a ‘subsidiary of Hamas’. Attempts by Fox News Digital to contact UNRWA and the Israeli Ambassador’s spokesperson were unsuccessful.