Israeli intelligence details claims of UN staff involvement in Oct. 7 attack

Israel last week accused at least a dozen employees of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East, known as UNRWA, of participating in Hamas’ attack on Israel. According to a dossier provided to the United States government, one staff member is accused of kidnapping a woman and another is accused of taking part in a massacre that killed 97 people. Hamas terrorists killed at least 1,200 people and kidnapped about 200 more during the October attack. The UN on Friday fired nine of the 12 accused workers and opened an investigation into the allegations. Hillel C. Neuer, executive director of the Geneva-based United Nations Watch organization, plans to testify Tuesday at a subcommittee meeting of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Numerous UNRWA teachers encouraged and celebrated the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks on social media, according to his prepared remarks.

How has the international community responded? The European Commission on Monday said it is reviewing its support for UNRWA amid the claims. Since Friday, at least a dozen countries suspended funding to the organization, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany. UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Sunday urged countries to reconsider their decisions to pause support for the organization that delivers aid to civilians in Gaza.

Dig deeper: Read Jill Nelson’s report in WORLD Magazine on Hamas and its relationship with Arab countries.