Israeli Document Exposes 12 UN Employees Allegedly Involved in Hamas Attack; Funding Freeze Heightens Crisis in Gaza
An Israeli document obtained on Monday details allegations against 12 United Nations (UN) employees, accused by Israel of participating in the October 7 Hamas assault. The document claims that seven of them breached Israeli territory, including two involved in kidnappings.
The allegations prompted Western countries to freeze vital funds for the UN agency supporting Palestinian refugees, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. In response, the UN fired nine of the accused workers, condemning their actions as “abhorrent.”
Tensions between Israel and the UN agency, UNRWA, have escalated over the years, with roughly 13,000 employees working in Gaza. Despite the dire situation in Gaza, major donors, including the U.S. and Britain, have cut funding, with Japan and Austria joining in on Monday.
With UNRWA’s budget in jeopardy, the agency warns of halting operations within weeks if funding isn’t restored. Cease-fire talks on Sunday showed some progress, but “significant gaps” remain, complicating efforts to bring relief to war-torn Gaza and secure the release of over 100 hostages.
Ongoing fighting in Gaza, coupled with an Israeli evacuation order for the western part of Gaza City, underscores the challenges faced by war-weary residents. The war, triggered by Hamas’ October 7 attack, has claimed 1,200 lives and resulted in 250 people being taken captive.
An Israeli document, shared with U.S. officials and obtained by The Associated Press, lists the 12 accused UNRWA workers, detailing their alleged roles, job descriptions, and photos. Intelligence suggests at least 190 UNRWA workers were Hamas or Islamic Jihad operatives, according to the document.
The allegations include accusations against teachers and a social worker, with seven employees accused of entering Israel on October 7. Some were alleged to have participated in kidnappings and raids on communal farming villages, with one accused of arming with an anti-tank missile.
Document Spells Out Allegations Against 12 UN Employees Israel Says Participated in Hamas Attack https://t.co/roy9Xqo6QR
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Tensions between Israel and UNRWA are further heightened, with Israel claiming the agency facilitates Hamas activities, a charge UNRWA denies. Calls to resume funding come as the U.S., the agency’s largest donor, along with other countries, cut funding over the weekend, jeopardizing over 60% of UNRWA’s budget in 2022.
As Gaza’s population faces starvation amid fighting and Israeli restrictions on aid delivery, UNRWA’s support, crucial for survival, hangs in the balance. Communications Director Juliette Touma warns that without funding, the agency may be forced to stop its Gaza operations by the end of February.