Claims Over Aid Made About UNRWA Says Report
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has come under fire for reportedly stealing and selling humanitarian aid intended for Palestinian civilians in Gaza. According to reports published by Palestinians in a UNRWA-related chatroom, staff working for the agency have been hoarding and reselling the aid meant for those in need. Those who have spoken out about these actions have reportedly faced reprisals.
The allegations came to light after former UNRWA employee Haitham al-Sayyed created a chatroom for staff and educators to share posts. In this chatroom, which he still manages, al-Sayyed shared information about UNRWA employees’ salaries and their participation in celebrations over Iran’s drone attacks on Israel. The chatroom has also revealed instances of antisemitism, incitement to hatred, and support for Jihadi terrorism among UNRWA staff.
According to the reports, UNRWA staff members were found to have their homes filled with aid meant for Palestinian civilians. This suggests that the agency’s employees were intentionally hoarding the aid for their personal use, instead of distributing it to those in need. One shocking revelation was that a UNRWA warehouse chief was caught selling 50 cartons of food for $5,000. This blatant corruption has caused outrage among the Palestinian community, who are struggling to survive amid the ongoing conflict with Israel.
BREAKING: UNRWA staff stealing and selling humanitarian aid, Gazans report
• UNRWA warehouse chief sold 50 cartons of food for $5,000
• Pampers, canned sweets, tissues stolen and sold at UNRWA school door
• UNRWA staff “have their homes full of aid”https://t.co/7cXGzrSUGj— UN Watch (@UNWatch) May 8, 2024
In addition to reselling aid, UNRWA staff members were also reportedly selling items such as pampers, canned sweets, and tissues at a UNRWA school’s door. This raises concerns about the agency’s ability to carry out its mandate effectively and deliver aid to those who need it most. The actions of UNRWA staff not only undermine the agency’s credibility but also put the lives of vulnerable Palestinians at risk.
UNRWA Commissioner-General Phillipe Lazzarini has acknowledged the scarcity of aid in Gaza and called on countries to increase direct cash assistance to the region. However, the recent revelations about UNRWA employees’ actions raise questions about the effectiveness of this approach.
While Lazzarini stated that more food is available, it is clear that it is not reaching those who need it. This highlights the need for better monitoring and accountability measures within the agency to prevent aid from falling into the wrong hands.
The allegations of corruption and mismanagement at UNRWA have sparked concerns about the agency’s overall operations and its ability to fulfill its mandate in a transparent and accountable manner. The agency has faced criticism in the past for its handling of aid and its failure to curb antisemitism and incitement among its staff. These latest revelations only add to the growing concerns about the agency’s effectiveness and integrity.
In light of these allegations, it is imperative that UNRWA takes immediate action to investigate and address the reported actions of its staff. The agency must also take steps to improve accountability and transparency in its operations to ensure that aid reaches those in need. Failure to do so not only puts the lives of Palestinians at risk but also undermines the agency’s credibility and its ability to carry out its mandate effectively.
As investigations into the allegations continue, the international community must also play a role in holding UNRWA accountable. Donor countries must demand greater transparency and accountability measures from the agency as a condition for continued funding. It is also crucial for the Palestinian leadership to take a stand against corruption within UNRWA and ensure that aid reaches those it is intended for.