The October 7th massacre marked a turning point, shedding unprecedented light on the intricate web of complicity involving the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in Gaza. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) subsequent operations aimed at dismantling Hamas’ military capabilities and freeing hostages unveiled a staggering depth of evidence, revealing UNRWA’s direct and systemic ties with terrorist organizations like Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ). This deeply embedded relationship underscores a shocking reality: UNRWA is no impartial humanitarian entity but an enabler of terror that compromises aid operations and regional security.
Deep Infiltration and Complicity
New intelligence collected from captured enemy documents post-October 7th provided stark evidence of terror infiltration into UNRWA’s ranks. An astounding revelation came in the form of detailed lists, with Israel presenting a dossier to UNRWA, naming over 100 employees directly linked to terrorist activities, including those who played roles in the October 7th massacre. This revelation highlights that the issue is not a case of “a few rotten apples,” as some international voices have downplayed, but rather a systemic infiltration.
The extent of this problem becomes even clearer when examining UNRWA’s educational and administrative cadre. Over 10% of senior UNRWA educators in Gaza—principals, training center directors, and their deputies—are known members of Hamas or PIJ. This infiltration ensures that extremist ideology permeates the very institutions meant to uphold peace and humanitarian assistance. Even more damning is the finding that more than thirty UNRWA facilities were utilized for terrorist purposes, housing tunnel shafts and operating server farms for Hamas’ military communications directly beneath their headquarters.
A Symbiotic Relationship
The collusion between UNRWA and Hamas is not accidental or incidental; it is an essential strategy for Hamas’ governance and terror activities. UNRWA, under the leadership of General Philippe Lazzarini, has consistently turned a blind eye to—or, worse, tacitly supported—the embedding of terror within its operations. This arrangement benefits Hamas, allowing them to leverage UNRWA’s international legitimacy while furthering their genocidal agenda against Israel, as explicitly stated in their charter: “Israel will exist until Islam obliterates it.”
This relationship is underscored by repeated inaction on the part of UNRWA, despite being presented with evidence of employee complicity in terrorism. Even after Israel shared the names and evidence of employees who took part in the October 7th massacre, no substantial measures were undertaken by UNRWA to investigate or purge its ranks.
Ineffective Neutrality Mechanisms
UNRWA’s proclaimed neutrality mechanisms are nothing more than a smokescreen. Regular facility inspections are performed by local staff who may themselves be compromised, focusing on superficial details like removing political graffiti, rather than dismantling operational terror activities. The agency’s definition of neutrality—a banal refusal to take sides—fails spectacularly when it comes to identifying and removing terror operatives within its own operations. Such measures have proven ineffective and reflect either a lack of will or sheer complicity.
The larger problem is that the UN and UNRWA do not recognize Hamas as a terrorist organization. This ideological misalignment renders any proposed reform within UNRWA futile. The case for reform collapses further under the weight of historical evidence: despite numerous public scandals and promises for reform, UNRWA’s claimed measures for neutrality have either not been implemented or been ineffective in practice.
Beyond Repair: Israel’s Conclusion
Following the analysis of this intelligence, Israel reached an unavoidable conclusion: UNRWA’s Gaza operations are beyond reform. Their ties to terrorist elements pose a significant risk to both Israeli security and the genuine humanitarian needs of Gazans. Continued reliance on UNRWA to provide aid not only supports a flawed system but funds terrorism indirectly. This realization prompted Israel to develop a strategic plan, gradually shifting humanitarian aid responsibilities to more trustworthy agencies.
Contrary to the often-repeated accusation that Israel withholds information, this claim falls flat. Israel has shared its findings with intelligence partners and relevant international bodies, ensuring transparency.
The Future of Humanitarian Efforts in Gaza
Despite UNRWA’s deeply compromised position, humanitarian aid to Gaza must continue, albeit through more reliable and secure channels. Between October 2023 and October 2024, various organizations—such as the Egyptian Red Crescent and the World Food Program—took on significant roles in aid distribution, outperforming UNRWA in several respects. The data underscores that UNRWA’s contributions, even before these revelations, were not as substantial or irreplaceable as its defenders claim.
Going forward, Israel’s strategy is to enhance collaboration with capable, impartial NGOs and UN agencies that have no ties to terror. This shift will ensure that aid reaches civilians without empowering terrorist infrastructures.
The onus now falls on international governments and taxpayers. Should billions continue to flow into an agency that, knowingly or not, aids Hamas’ terror? The recent evidence mandates a sober reassessment of funding policies. With a clear choice between supporting true humanitarian efforts or subsidizing terror complicity, responsible nations must take a stand.
