Nine UN Staff Dismissed Over Alleged Involvement in Attack
The United Nations has terminated nine employees of its agency for Palestinian refugees, following an internal investigation into their potential involvement in the October 7 attack against Israel.
The UN’s Office of Internal Oversight Services had been examining 19 staffers from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) since January when Israel accused them of participating in the incident that led to the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the abduction of 250 individuals.
Findings and actions
UNRWA’s head, Philippe Lazzarini, announced the dismissal, stating, “I have decided that in the case of these remaining nine staff members, they cannot work for UNRWA.” He emphasized the agency’s commitment to maintaining critical services for Palestinian refugees amid ongoing regional instability.
The investigation revealed sufficient evidence of involvement for nine staff members, while the evidence was deemed insufficient for nine others, and one case found no evidence of involvement. The specific roles of the staffers in the attack were not disclosed.
Impact on funding and relations
The allegations initially prompted 16 donor countries to suspend funding for UNRWA, amounting to $450 million. Although most countries, excluding the United States, have since resumed their contributions, the incident has strained relations. The investigation utilized evidence provided by Israel and reviewed internal UNRWA communications, but the Office of Internal Oversight Services noted challenges in independently verifying the information.
UNRWA, employing 32,000 staff members, including 13,000 in Gaza, is a primary aid provider in the region. Israel has asserted that numerous UNRWA employees are affiliated with militant groups. In response to these allegations, an Israeli parliamentary bill sought to designate UNRWA as a terrorist organization, a move condemned by Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the European Union in June.