Luke Allen – Military Political Analyst – Makati, Manila – lukeallenmanila@journlist.com
In a shocking revelation, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has come under scrutiny after the United Nations indicated that some of its staff members may have been involved in the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7. Following a thorough investigation, the U.N. has taken decisive action by terminating the employment of nine UNRWA staff members due to their potential ties to the attack.
The investigation was initiated in response to allegations made by Israel against twelve UNRWA staff members. The U.N.’s internal watchdog delved into the matter, ultimately leading to the dismissal of nine individuals who were found to have potential involvement in the October 7 attacks. Deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq revealed during a U.N. briefing that the evidence against these nine individuals was deemed sufficient to suggest their connection to the assault.
The internal review by the U.N. also indicated that 19 UNRWA staff members may have been linked to the attack. Alongside the nine individuals who were dismissed, two others were reported to have died, while the remaining individuals are currently under further review to determine their level of involvement.
Farhan Haq expressed the U.N.’s deep concern over the potential involvement of UNRWA staff members in the attack, stating, “For us, any participation in the attacks is a tremendous betrayal of the sort of work that we are supposed to be doing.” The UNRWA is tasked with providing humanitarian aid and support to Palestinian refugees in the region, and any implication of its staff in violent activities goes against the organization’s core principles and mission.
The gravity of the situation was further underscored by Israel’s accusations that as many as 450 UNRWA staff members are allegedly affiliated with military operatives in Gaza terrorist groups. This alarming revelation has raised serious questions about the integrity and neutrality of the UNRWA’s workforce, as well as the potential risks posed by such affiliations to the safety and security of the region.
The U.N.’s swift and resolute action in investigating and addressing the potential involvement of UNRWA staff in the October 7 attack highlights the organization’s commitment to upholding transparency, accountability, and the highest standards of conduct among its personnel. The dismissal of the nine implicated individuals sends a clear message that any form of collaboration with violent or extremist groups will not be tolerated within the U.N. system.
Moving forward, the U.N. and UNRWA must conduct thorough background checks, monitor staff activities closely, and implement stringent measures to prevent any further instances of staff involvement in illicit or violent activities. Safeguarding the UNRWA’s reputation and credibility as a humanitarian organization is paramount, and decisive actions must be taken to ensure that its staff members adhere to peace, neutrality, and humanitarian assistance principles.
As the investigation unfolds and more details come to light, the U.N. and relevant authorities need to collaborate closely to address any security threats posed by staff members with potential affiliations to extremist groups. The integrity and effectiveness of humanitarian efforts in the region depend on the trust and confidence of all stakeholders, and it is incumbent upon the U.N. and UNRWA to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and ethics in fulfilling their vital mission.
