A controversial United Nations agency is currently under investigation by U.S. authorities for potential connections to terrorism. Over 1,500 employees of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA)—which supports Palestinian refugees—are reportedly being scrutinized regarding their links to terrorism.
U.S. officials are increasingly urging UN member nations to reconsider funding for UNRWA. Concerns have persisted for years, with claims that the agency’s educational materials may promote terrorism, along with evidence of tunnels linked to Hamas beneath UNRWA schools. There’s also suspicion that some staff might have been involved in the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7.
The U.S. has been vocal about the need for donors to withdraw funding from UNRWA to safeguard the agency’s mission from potential compromise.
While the UN has its own oversight policies, an internal investigation into claims that 19 UNRWA employees participated in the October 7 attack found insufficient evidence for ten of these individuals, although nine were let go. Meanwhile, the USAID Office of Inspector General (OIG) is looking into 1,500 UNRWA employees, having already referred 108 current or former staff to the State Department due to involvement in terrorist actions.
A senior U.S. official shared that the USAID OIG inquiry went deeper than prior UN investigations and was essential to ensure U.S. taxpayer funds do not support those associated with terrorist groups. This official emphasized that it helps prevent terrorists from exploiting aid organizations that either seek or receive U.S. funding.
Hamas has been labeled a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) by the U.S. since 1997, and its status as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist Group (SDGT) was established in 2001.
According to a USAID OIG announcement, those facing disqualification include various roles within UNRWA, such as school principals and medical professionals, some of whom have direct ties to Hamas. For instance, one vice principal previously acted as a Hamas deputy commander, while another individual was found to have facilitated the deployment of anti-tank missiles during the October 7 incident.
A spokesperson from the State Department suggested that it’s not surprising additional personnel were linked to the October 7 attack, asserting that funding will not be directed toward UNRWA, which has been allegedly infiltrated by Hamas.
As this investigation unfolds, the ramifications could be significant for future U.S. support of UNRWA. Therefore, officials are stressing the importance of transitioning essential services responsibly to avoid gaps in critical assistance like health services and food distribution.
In light of the ongoing issues, bipartisan voices, including Senator Jim Risch, have advocated for immediate action to tackle what they see as a growing problem of radicalization within UNRWA.
Concerns continue over the humanitarian situation in Gaza, with reports indicating ongoing interference by Hamas, affecting aid distribution efforts. Dr. Ramiz Alakbarov, an assistant special coordinator for humanitarian efforts in the region, described disturbing patterns of violence and disruption, which are increasingly targeting humanitarian operations.
Fox News Digital has reached out to UNRWA for commentary on these developments.
