Results for: UNRWA

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.

An independent review of the neutrality of the UN agency helping Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) found that Israel had not raised any concerns about staff lists received since 2011. The review also highlighted gaps in the agency’s implementation of neutrality principles, including staff expressing political views, questionable textbook content, and union disruptions.

Israel has criticized the United Nations for its handling of Hamas infiltration within the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). Foreign Minister Israel Katz alleges that Hamas’ presence has compromised UNRWA’s neutrality and called for its closure. The accusations include over 2,000 UNRWA workers being Hamas members, and 12 alleged participants in an attack against Israel. Katz argues that UNRWA-Gaza is part of the problem, not the solution, and urges donor countries to redirect funds to other organizations. A report commissioned by the UN acknowledged flaws in UNRWA but emphasized the importance of its services to Palestinian refugees.

A UN review of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) has found that it has robust frameworks for ensuring compliance with humanitarian neutrality principles. However, issues persist, including staff expressing political views, problematic textbooks, and politicized staff unions. Israel has yet to provide supporting evidence for its claims that a significant number of UNRWA staff are members of terrorist organizations. The report has prompted some donors to review their funding freezes.

An independent review of the U.N. agency assisting Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, has found that Israel never expressed concerns about staff lists provided to them since 2011. The review was conducted after Israel alleged that 12 UNRWA employees participated in Hamas attacks in October 2022. The report cited serious gaps in implementation of neutrality procedures, including staff expressing political views, problematic textbook content, and union disruptions.

An independent review of the United Nations agency assisting Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, found that it has robust procedures for upholding neutrality, but identified gaps in implementation, such as staff expressing political views and unions disrupting operations. One key finding was that Israel never raised concerns about staff lists provided by UNRWA despite allegations of Hamas membership.