UN dismisses 9 staffers over 'involvement in attack' on Israel
The United Nations (UN) has terminated nine employees from its agency for Palestinian refugees, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency The decision follows an internal investigation suggesting their potential involvement in a Hamas-led attack against Israel on October 7. The announcement was made by the UN Secretary-General's Office on Monday, without further details regarding the staffers' roles in the attack or the evidence leading to their dismissal.
Investigation leads to dismissal of UNRWA staffers
The group of dismissed employees includes those previously terminated and others who were on administrative leave without pay due to the allegations. The exact number of total staffers fired from the agency remains undisclosed. The internal probe was carried out by the UN's watchdog, the Office of Internal Oversight Services, which has been investigating UNRWA since January following Israel's accusations against 12 UNRWA staffers for their alleged involvement in the October 7 attack.
Allegations against UNRWA staffers
During the October 7 attack, militants killed 1,200 people and abducted approximately 250 others. An Israeli intelligence document shared with CBS News and other Western news outlets detailed allegations against a dozen UN employees. The document claimed seven staff members entered Israeli territory during the attack, with two allegedly participating in kidnappings.
Funding suspension, resumption\
Israel's allegations initially led top donor countries to suspend their funding for UNRWA, resulting in a cash crunch of about $450 million. Since then, all donor countries except for the United States have decided to resume funding. The US however, has temporarily paused its funding while reviewing these allegations against UNRWA staffers.
What did UNRWA head say
Philippe Lazzarini, the head of UNRWA, announced the dismissal of the nine staff members stating, "I have decided that in the case of these remaining nine staff members, they cannot work for UNRWA." He emphasized the agency's commitment to continue providing critical services for Palestine refugees amidst ongoing war and instability. Lazzarini also condemned the October 7 attack.
UNRWA's role and Israel's accusations amid ongoing conflict
UNRWA has been the primary agency distributing aid to Palestinians in Gaza during the 10-month old war. Israel has long accused UNRWA of collaborating with Hamas and ignoring the militant group's activities. Throughout the war, Israel released images of tunnels built next to UNRWA facilities, while far-right protests set parts of the agency's facility in Jerusalem on fire, calling for its shutdown.
