Results for: Israel

An investigation by the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) has found no evidence to support Israeli claims that hundreds of staff members are affiliated with terrorist organizations. This could lead some donor nations to reconsider funding freezes that were imposed after Israel accused 12 UNRWA staff members of participating in Hamas-led attacks in Gaza. The review, led by former French foreign minister Catherine Colonna, found that Israel had not provided any supporting evidence for its claims and had not raised any concerns with UNRWA based on staff lists since 2011. Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oren Marmorstein criticized the review, saying it ignored the severity of the problem and offered cosmetic solutions. However, UNRWA head Philippe Lazzarini said the agency was developing an action plan to take forward the recommendations from the review.

An independent review of the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has concluded that Israel has not provided any evidence to support its claims that aid workers in Gaza are “terrorists.”
The report, ordered by UN Secretary-General Guterres, found some “neutrality-related issues” in the implementation of UNRWA’s programs, including public political statements by staff and “problematic content” in school textbooks. However, it emphasized that “most alleged breaches of neutrality relate to social media posts” made in the wake of violent incidents affecting colleagues or family.
The report made recommendations for improving neutrality, including through engagement with donors, staff neutrality, and the neutrality of education and governance. UNRWA Commissioner General Philippe Lazzarini has said he will accept the recommendations but warned against Israel’s “deliberate and concerted campaign” to end its operations.

Eyal Megged, a former friend of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has penned a column in Haaretz accusing him of destroying the country. Megged writes that Netanyahu is “captive to the madness of a dictator’s grandeur” and that he is “not able to put up with a situation where someone else will take his place.”

New York University protesters demanding divestment from Israel-linked holdings were arrested by police in riot gear on Monday night. The protesters had set up a ‘Gaza Solidarity’ encampment at the university’s Gould Plaza. Police ordered the protesters to disperse, and those who remained were arrested and led to police buses.

Uncertainty looms over the fate of Hamas’ political headquarters in Qatar, as the group faces pressure from the US and Israel to relocate. Hamas has been based in Doha for over a decade, but recent developments suggest a change could be imminent.

The Wall Street Journal reported that Hamas has approached two regional governments as potential new hosts, while Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Turkey already has a Hamas office and close ties with the Palestinian organization.

Republican lawmakers in the US have long opposed Hamas’ presence in Qatar, and recently Democratic Rep. Steny Hoyer called for Qatar to expel Hamas leadership if progress is not made on releasing Israeli hostages. Qatar has responded by saying that “threatening the mediator is not constructive.”

Qatar’s Prime Minister has indicated that the country is reassessing its role in mediation, citing “political exploitation.” Hamas leaders have hinted at flexibility on their location, which could undermine the assumption that relocation would pressure the group.

The outcome of the location debate will have significant implications for Hamas, the prospects for peace in Gaza, and the US’s engagement with the group.

Israel is planning to evacuate Palestinian civilians from Rafah, Gaza’s southernmost city, before launching an offensive against Hamas. The operation is expected to last six weeks and involve moving civilians to nearby areas with shelters and essential supplies. Egypt has expressed concern over the potential operation, while the Biden administration has opposed a mass invasion without proper evacuation and humanitarian care.

An independent review of the neutrality of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) found that Israel never expressed concerns about anyone on the staff lists it has received annually since 2011. This contradicts Israel’s allegations that 12 employees participated in Hamas attacks. The review, led by former French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna, cited serious gaps in UNRWA’s implementation of neutrality principles, including staff expressing political views and textbooks with “problematic” content. Despite making 50 recommendations, Israel’s Foreign Ministry called the report insufficient and urged donor countries to withhold funding. UNRWA’s Commissioner-General, Philippe Lazzarini, welcomed the report and called on Israel to “reconsider its position and fully cooperate” with the agency.

The Republican Jewish Coalition has endorsed state Sen. John McGuire for Virginia’s 5th Congressional District primary, criticizing incumbent Rep. Bob Good’s vote against a foreign aid package including support for Israel. Good’s vote has drawn opposition from multiple high-profile Republican groups.

The Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC) has endorsed state Sen. John McGuire in the GOP congressional primary against Rep. Bob Good. The move comes after Good voted against a foreign aid package that included money for Israel, sparking criticism from the RJC. The group accused Good of abandoning Israel and ignoring its need for military support. Good has defended his vote, saying the aid package included excessive spending and should have been paid for. He has also expressed support for Israel’s right to defend itself but wants the Senate to focus on a smaller, paid-for bill to help the country. The primary for Good’s seat is scheduled for June 18.

The Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC) has announced its support for state Sen. John McGuire (R) in the Republican primary for Virginia’s 5th Congressional District. The RJC cited Rep. Bob Good’s (R-Va.) vote against a foreign aid package that included funding for Ukraine, Israel, and humanitarian aid for Gaza as the reason for its decision. The RJC’s CEO, Matt Brooks, said that Good’s vote showed that he is not a true friend of Israel. Good has defended his vote, saying that he supports Israel’s right to defend itself but that he believes the aid package was too expensive and would add to the national debt.