Israel Releases Statement About UNRWA Employees
The recent decision by Israel’s parliament to ban the U.N.’s Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) from operating within Israeli borders marks a significant shift.
The vote, championed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, addresses longstanding Israeli concerns about the agency’s connections with hostile entities, particularly Hamas. Israel has long alleged that certain UNRWA staff members harbor terrorist affiliations or assist in activities that compromise Israeli security. On Monday, Netanyahu’s office reinforced this perspective, emphasizing that individuals involved with terrorism “must be held accountable.”
The vote by the Israeli Parliament to outlaw @UNRWA is indeed unprecedented. For too many years too many countries turned a blind eye on corrupt and terrorism-supporting @UN 🇺🇳 agencies. Time for more countries to outlaw these terrorism-supporters. pic.twitter.com/dXCka9FbKq
— Dr. Eli David (@DrEliDavid) October 28, 2024
The controversy surrounding UNRWA has intensified, with an investigation by the U.N. Office of Internal Oversight Services shedding a complicated light on the matter. While the report acknowledged insufficient evidence for some claims, it did indicate that nine UNRWA employees may have been implicated in the October 7 terror attack on Israel, pending further corroboration.
UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini confirmed that should these findings be authenticated, those involved would face termination.
Newly released footage from October 7 shows terrorists taking Israeli hostages to Al Shifa hospital – the sort of Gaza hospital that @UNRWA and @WHO keep telling us are sacred places that Israel must never approach.
Sound on to hear “innocent civilians” celebrating the capture… pic.twitter.com/0HnBxfrmL8
— Aviva Klompas (@AvivaKlompas) October 28, 2024
Lazzarini himself responded strongly to Israel’s ban, accusing the legislation of violating the U.N. charter and endangering the welfare of Palestinian refugees, particularly children. He argued on X that the move sets “a dangerous precedent” and forms part of an ongoing campaign to delegitimize UNRWA’s role in humanitarian assistance.
Established in 1949, UNRWA provides critical support to Palestinian populations in the West Bank, Gaza, and neighboring regions. But Israel insists that without substantial reforms, including an unambiguous separation from Hamas, UNRWA remains a security threat.
Today, in a media statement before the Security Council session, I addressed the legislation that limits the activities of UNRWA. We will continue to cooperate with humanitarian organizations, but not with those who cooperate with Hamas terrorists. pic.twitter.com/pnr1tHAiRK
— Danny Danon 🇮🇱 דני דנון (@dannydanon) October 28, 2024
Israel’s ambassador to the U.N., Danny Danon, further criticized the organization, stating before the Security Council that Israel refuses to collaborate with any entity tied to terrorist groups. Israel’s stance has resonated with allies who question UNRWA’s operations, amplifying calls for greater oversight and accountability within the agency.
Until UNRWA can demonstrate a total disassociation from Hamas and other terrorist groups, Israel’s ban signals a firm stance against any perceived threat within its borders.