U.S. Watchdog Reports UNRWA Employee Involvement in Kidnappings
WASHINGTON – A U.S. government watchdog has revealed that staff members at the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees are implicated in the “kidnapping” of at least four Israelis and also supported the Hamas terrorist attack that occurred on October 7, 2023, as reported by officials. This discovery may contribute to ongoing federal criminal investigations.
According to an investigation summary from April 30 by USAID’s Office of Inspector General, there are “four additional current or former employees” of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, which includes three teachers and a social worker.
These individuals are “suspected of participating in the holding of civilian hostages kidnapped from Israel on October 7, 2023 and/or terrorist activities in Israel,” the summary indicated.
Currently, over 100 UNRWA personnel are under investigation by the IG Office, with evidence suggesting at least 21 of them have affiliations with Hamas or were involved in the terrorist group’s violence that resulted in 1,200 deaths in Israel, including 46 Americans. Additionally, more than 250 hostages were taken to Gaza.
“A recent investigation by the USAID IG indicates that the United Nations fails to properly vet its personnel for connections to terrorist organizations,” a senior State Department official commented.
It is noteworthy that the U.N. does not classify Hamas as a terrorist organization, which enables UN agencies and local NGOs to potentially employ staff linked to Hamas, raising concerns that their programs could be manipulated. This situation is viewed as unacceptable.
There have been calls for the suspension of all 21 UNRWA employees from receiving federal funding for the next decade. Previous reports from USAID OIG have highlighted the possibility that substantial U.S. taxpayer money intended for U.N. agencies could be redirected to terrorist organizations.
In light of the IG’s findings, Justice Department Senior Counsel Leo Terrell recently advocated for starting jail time for the suspected employees linked to Hamas.
The Justice Department and FBI are already probing allegations that UNRWA officials aided Hamas, with discussions regarding how evidence might lead to prosecutors taking action if the USAID OIG decides to proceed with legal action.
“The FBI is certainly looking into aspects related to counterterrorism,” an official noted, with emphasis on the “killing of Americans” in Israel as a key impetus for their involvement.
Previous civil lawsuits have claimed UNRWA provided over $1 billion to Gaza and “aided and abetted” Hamas; however, a federal judge ruled last October that UNRWA holds immunity from these legal actions due to its status as a U.N. entity.
The Trump administration attempted to revoke this immunity in April 2025 and later appealed to the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, following a ruling by U.S. District Judge Annalisa Torres.
One official mentioned that the question of UNRWA’s immunity could significantly affect potential criminal prosecutions as well as economic sanctions.
A September 2024 announcement indicated that Hamas leaders may face hefty prison sentences or even the death penalty for supporting designated terrorist organizations, as well as conspiracy and weapons charges linked to attacks on Americans.
Charges potentially leading to 20 years in prison could also arise against individuals cooperating with Hamas, particularly regarding terrorism financing and violating the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
In February 2025, an executive order was signed to halt U.S. funding to UNRWA, which had received up to $1.5 billion during the Biden administration.
Recently, Congress has been exploring cuts to overall United Nations funding, with discussions around reducing it by up to $1.8 billion, specifically aimed at preventing U.S. taxpayer dollars from reaching entities that do not cooperate with USAID OIG investigations.
In 2025, UNRWA is projected to receive over $839 million in assistance, yet it is also seeking billions more for efforts to rebuild the Gaza Strip.
A month prior to the funding request, the USAID OIG identified Hafez Moussa Mohamed Moussa, a UNRWA principal and Hamas operative who played a role in coordinating the October 7 attack. This led to Moussa being barred from federal funding for the next 10 years, marking a significant first in preventing affiliated individuals from receiving humanitarian aid.
As of now, Moussa is the only name publicly identified in the investigation, though a senior U.S. diplomat suggested that the probe into UNRWA staff has broadened since his discharge.
Requests for comments from officials at the Justice Department, FBI, and UNRWA went unanswered.
