Know Your Enemies – UNRWA

On October 7th, 2023, Israel experienced a brutal massacre carried out by Hamas, resulting in the tragic loss of many Israeli lives. The aftermath revealed shocking evidence that employees of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) were directly involved in this heinous act. A probe by the UN’s Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) confirmed that nine UNRWA employees participated in the massacre, with additional staff members implicated but not formally charged due to insufficient evidence. These individuals are linked to Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), both designated terrorist organizations.

Failure of UNRWA Leadership

Despite the gravity of these revelations, UNRWA’s leadership, under Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini, has failed to take decisive action. Instead of dismissing the implicated staff, the UN and UNRWA leadership have been accused of downplaying the involvement of their employees with terrorist organizations. Lazzarini’s statements and the so-called “Action Plan” have been criticized as inadequate and insincere. Critics argue that these actions demonstrate a disturbing tolerance, if not outright complicity, in allowing members of Hamas and Islamic Jihad to remain within the agency.

Systemic Infiltration by Hamas

The involvement of UNRWA employees in the October 7th massacre is not an isolated incident but part of a broader, systemic infiltration of the organization by Hamas and PIJ. Israeli intelligence has uncovered that a significant percentage of UNRWA staff in Gaza are affiliated with these terrorist organizations. Over 10% of senior UNRWA educators in Gaza, including school principals and directors, have been identified as members of Hamas or Islamic Jihad. Furthermore, numerous UNRWA facilities have been found to contain terrorist infrastructure, such as tunnel shafts and server farms, used by Hamas for military purposes.

UNRWA’s Educational System: A Tool for Radicalization

The indoctrination of children through UNRWA’s education system is another grave concern. Textbooks used in UNRWA schools have been found to contain incitement against Jews and Israelis, glorification of terrorism, and anti-Semitic content. Despite these findings, UNRWA has failed to implement a zero-tolerance policy against such material. The continued employment of teachers and administrators who are members of Hamas guarantees the perpetuation of this dangerous indoctrination.

The Need for Immediate Action

The evidence is clear: UNRWA has been deeply infiltrated by terrorist organizations and is failing to uphold its mission of neutrality and humanitarian aid. The organization has become a tool for Hamas, using international taxpayer money to support activities that align with the goals of a terrorist organization. Donor countries must reassess their support for UNRWA and demand immediate action to remove all terrorist elements from the agency. Failure to do so means that these governments are indirectly funding Hamas, contributing to the perpetuation of terrorism and violence in the region.

UNRWA And Hamas Pre-October 7

The collaboration between UNRWA and Hamas predates the October 7 massacre, with multiple documented instances of support and facilitation of terrorist activities by UNRWA staff and facilities. From allowing Hamas operatives to store weapons and hold meetings near UNRWA centers to remaining silent on the use of its schools for tunnel digging and rocket launches, UNRWA has repeatedly enabled Hamas’ terrorist activities. These actions highlight a long-standing and troubling relationship between the UN agency and the terrorist organization, raising serious concerns about UNRWA’s role in Gaza.

What is Their Mission?

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) was established in 1949 with the primary mission of providing direct relief and works programs for Palestinian refugees. The agency is tasked with delivering humanitarian assistance across various sectors, including health care, education, social services, and emergency aid, particularly in situations of armed conflict. UNRWA operates in five key regions: Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Judea and Samaria (including East Jerusalem), and Gaza, where it is responsible for addressing the needs of millions of Palestinian refugees.

Who are the Member States?

UNRWA’s member states include a wide range of countries from around the world, such as Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States, among others. Additionally, several Arab states are part of this coalition, while the Palestinian Authority holds observer status. These nations contribute funding and support to help UNRWA carry out its mission across its fields of operation.