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An Israeli intelligence dossier has led several countries, including the United States and Germany, to suspend funding for the U.N. Palestinian aid agency UNRWA. The dossier accuses about 190 UNRWA employees, including teachers, of doubling as militants for Hamas or Islamic Jihad.
The report, which details participation in abductions and killings during the Oct. 7 raid that initiated the Gaza war, includes allegations against specific individuals working for UNRWA.
The dossier claims the involvement of certain UNRWA staff members in various criminal activities. This includes a school counselor accused of aiding in an abduction and a social worker allegedly involved in the transfer of a slain Israeli soldier’s body to Gaza. Other accusations involve participation in attacks on Israeli villages and coordination of movement for raiders and weapon supplies. These allegations come amidst ongoing probes by the United Nations and UNRWA into the matter.
UNRWA, which provides essential aid to over half of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents, faces significant operational challenges due to the funding halt. The agency, crucial for day-to-day assistance in Gaza, warned it might not continue operations beyond February without resumed funding. The Israeli dossier, compiled by Israeli intelligence and shared with the U.S., raises concerns about the agency’s alleged complicity in conflict-related activities.
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency, established for refugees of the 1948 war at Israel’s founding, employs a significant workforce in Gaza and serves Palestinian refugees and their descendants across various regions. Israel has previously accused UNRWA of perpetuating conflict and alleged staff involvement in attacks against Israel, claims the agency denies.
In response to the dossier’s findings, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres promised accountability for any staff involved in criminal acts but urged nations to continue funding UNRWA for humanitarian reasons. He highlighted the critical role of UNRWA workers, many of whom operate in hazardous conditions, in meeting the urgent needs of vulnerable populations.
