Results for: UNRWA

An independent review led by former French foreign minister Catherine Colonna has concluded that Israel has not provided sufficient evidence to support its allegations that employees of the UN relief agency UNRWA are members of terrorist organizations. The review was launched following a series of accusations by Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, who claimed that UNRWA was being used as a cover for terrorist activities in the Gaza Strip. However, the review found that there was no evidence to support these claims. The report also stated that UNRWA plays a vital role in providing humanitarian assistance to Palestinian refugees and that any attempt to undermine the agency’s work would have serious consequences for the region.

An independent review has cleared the United Nations Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) of allegations that its staff participated in terrorist activities, prompting Australia to reinstate funding. The accusations by Israel led to a suspension of funding while investigations took place.

An external investigation commissioned by the UN has found no evidence to support Israel’s claims that a significant number of workers for the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in the Gaza Strip have ties to terrorist groups.

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.

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.

An independent panel reviewing UNRWA’s neutrality following allegations of Hamas affiliation released its findings, providing recommendations to strengthen the agency’s integrity and address concerns.

An independent review has made several recommendations to strengthen the neutrality of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), following allegations of staff involvement in the October 2023 Hamas attacks. Key recommendations include establishing an advisory body on neutrality, implementing stricter staff screening procedures, and fostering engagement with donor nations.

An independent review commissioned by the UN has found no evidence to support Israel’s claims that UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) staffers aided Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel. Israel had alleged that UNRWA employees participated in the attack, provided intelligence and logistical support, and allowed Hamas to use agency facilities. However, the review found no evidence to substantiate these claims. Despite the allegations being unsubstantiated, they have resulted in reduced funding for UNRWA and a freeze on US support until next March.

An independent review of the UNRWA found that while the agency had implemented measures to maintain neutrality, further improvements were needed. Specifically, the report called for more robust vetting of staff members and regular inspections of agency facilities. However, the review did not substantiate Israeli allegations that a significant number of UNRWA employees were tied to militant groups.