On January 26th, UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini disclosed that Israel has accused several UNRWA staff members of being involved in the October 7th terrorist attack carried out by Hamas. The agency promptly terminated the contracts of these employees and initiated an investigation into the matter.
Lazzarini stated, “The Israeli Authorities have provided UNRWA with information about the alleged involvement of several UNRWA employees in the horrific attacks on Israel on October 7. To protect the Agency’s ability to deliver humanitarian assistance, I have decided to immediately terminate the contracts of these staff members and launch an investigation to establish the truth without delay. Any UNRWA employee who was involved in acts of terror will be held accountable, including through criminal prosecution.”
He emphasized, “UNRWA reiterates its condemnation in the strongest possible terms of the abhorrent attacks of October 7 and calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all Israeli hostages and their safe return to their families.”
Lazzarini expressed concern about the impact of these allegations on the more than 2 million people in Gaza who rely on UNRWA’s humanitarian assistance. UNRWA, established by the UN in 1949, provides aid and protection to registered Palestine refugees in various regions, including the West Bank, Gaza Strip, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria.
The October 7th terrorist attacks by Hamas involved a comprehensive assault on Israel from sea, land, and air, with thousands of rockets launched from Gaza. The conflict that followed has led to casualties, abductions, and significant humanitarian challenges in the region.
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